Inside Iran's Evin Prison: Courage Amidst Despair for Women Activists**

From daily interrogations to acts of defiance, women in Evin Prison navigate brutality and hope, illustrating their fight for freedom amidst oppression.**

 

Crouched in a cramped, windowless cell, Nasim could hear other prisoners’ screams as the guards unleashed violence upon them. With each pounding on her door, an ominous voice would taunt her, “Get ready, you’re next.” This 36-year-old hairdresser, detained for her participation in protests, endured a relentless barrage of interrogations lasting 10 to 12 hours a day, often threatened with execution. Her four-month stay in solitary confinement showcased a glimpse into the grim reality of life within Evin Prison, one of Iran's most notorious facilities.

Reports have emerged from various credible sources, piecing together the experiences of women currently incarcerated at Evin, many of whom participated in the "Woman, Life, Freedom" protests following Mahsa Amini’s tragic death in September 2022. Amini’s death while in police custody resulted from her alleged violation of Iran’s strict hijab laws and sparked widespread unrest.

While some inmates have begun to share their stories post-release, detailed accounts of their incarceration while still inside remain scarce. Nasim, who loves rap music and makeup, found herself in conflict after joining protests in April 2023. She stood brave in the face of torture and humiliation, drawing strength by remembering those lost during the government crackdown, which had claimed the life of a close friend.

Another prisoner, Rezvaneh, also arrested during the protests, shared her harrowing experiences alongside her husband, being threatened with brutal consequences. Following her solitary confinement, Nasim was transferred to the women’s section of Evin, where roughly 70 political prisoners live. The women face severe overcrowding, as multiple cells can house as many as 20 inmates on stacked bunks.

Despite adverse conditions, moments of warmth emerged among the women. In the chilly winter months, they huddled with hot water bottles, while summer brought overwhelming heat. They shared cooking duties in a small kitchen area, relying on prison shop purchases to supplement their meager meals. A small yard provided an outlet for fresh air, while a dilapidated area served as the smoking corner.

Rezvaneh learned of her unexpected pregnancy months into her imprisonment, invited to meet her husband on special occasions. Yet, her bliss was marred by anxiety regarding the health of her child, as prison life posed dire challenges. She recounted her desire for basic comforts, yearning for apple juice and meat — luxuries expensive even within prison walls. Rezvaneh sensed the weight of mental strife, struggling to find peace in her bustling surroundings.

Meanwhile, Vida, another inmate and passionate artist, utilized her artistic talent to create portraits of her fellow prisoners, occasionally risking reprimand for her bold expressions. A mural depicting an Iranian cheetah and various landscapes served as brief flashes of hope within the bleak environment. Medical care remains a struggle for many, including human rights activist Narges Mohammadi, whose heart and lung conditions needed urgent attention but were frequently denied.

In their grassroots efforts, the women of Evin have not shied away from resistance. They defiantly refuse to wear the mandated headscarves, staging collective protests that reverberate throughout the prison walls. Their hunger strikes against executions and continued calls for justice echo with firm resolve, even under the threat of retaliation by prison guards.

Despite facing severe sentences, including death penalties for others, the women rely on each other for strength. From reading poetry to playing improvised card games and watching television together, these small acts of camaraderie help sustain their spirits. When Nasim finally received her sentence—six years in prison, lashes, and 20 years of forced exile—she felt a semblance of relief, grateful she could once again breathe freely.

Recently, as Rezvaneh gave birth to a baby girl, her joy was bittersweet, knowing she had to eventually return to prison. With her daughter now visiting, the specter of separation looms large as she faces the years left in her sentence. Even amid their struggles, many women state that the challenges they confront only strengthen their resolve to fight for a future free from oppression.

The plight of these women in Evin prison mirrors a broader struggle within Iran, where the government denies allegations of human rights violations. Yet, even in confinement, the resilient spirit of these activists thrives, illuminating their unyielding commitment to their cause and each other.