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Publish date: Saturday 12 July 2025
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create date : Sunday, July 13, 2025 | 11:35 AM
publish date : Saturday, July 12, 2025 | 11:33 AM
update date : Sunday, July 13, 2025 | 11:35 AM

Spokesperson for the Judiciary:attack on Evin Prison was a terrorist act

  • Spokesperson for the Judiciary:attack on Evin Prison was a terrorist act

The press conference of Asghar Jahangir, Spokesperson for the Judiciary, was held today (Saturday, July 12) with journalists from various media outlets in attendance.
 

At the beginning of the conference, Jahangir stated: "We must all recognize the value and dignity of this wise and courageous nation. They have stood firm in defense of national pride and Islamic values. It is our duty to make every effort, more than ever, to serve them with full dedication. The people have stood for the honor of Iran, and with unity and their immense social and cultural capital, they will bring any enemy attempting to violate Iranian soil to its knees."

He continued: "This historic and national solidarity of Iranians reached its peak on the night of Ashura this year with the strong and resolute presence of the Supreme Leader at Imam Khomeini Hosseiniyah. The world witnessed that the Iranian people stand firm behind their wise and powerful leader like a mountain."

Jahangir added: "The fake Zionist regime, in its imposed war against Iran, trampled all international laws and conventions. This illegitimate aggression—targeting innocent civilians, women, children, residential areas, hospitals, a prison, and committing assassinations—shows the height of the enemy’s depravity and complete disregard for international legal norms."

He emphasized: "The world knows Iran did not start this war. Based on international law, we exercised our legitimate right to self-defense. We are pursuing legal action against the aggressors and hope international legal bodies fulfill their duties and finally put an end to the impunity enjoyed by this child-killing regime."

Jahangir assured: "The public can rest assured that the Judiciary is determined to handle the cases of those accused of treason and collaboration with the enemy with full seriousness, speed, and justice. With precise planning, we will not allow these cases to face delays. They will be followed up firmly and fairly."

In response to a question about whether the main goal of the attack on Evin Prison was to eliminate certain spies by Israel, Jahangir said: "I do not confirm that claim. What is clear is that the Zionist regime's goal in attacking Evin Prison was to blatantly violate international laws and demonstrate that they have no regard for them—just as they have consistently violated human rights norms in past years with no accountability or consequences. This attack aimed to instill fear in society and to deter public support for the Islamic Revolution, Islam, and Iran. The attack led to the death and injury of innocent civilians, family members of prisoners, judicial staff, and local residents."

He stated: "This attack on Evin Prison was a terrorist act and a crime against humanity. It is incompatible with any international standards. We expect that international legal norms, which some loudly claim to defend, be applied here as well—especially when a regime like Israel blatantly violates all fundamental principles of humanitarian and human rights law."

Regarding casualties, Jahangir clarified: "Those individuals you referred to were not harmed in the Evin attack. The Prisons Organization acted immediately to minimize harm. Though a few prisoners were martyred and others injured, all inmates were relocated to other facilities within hours, and conditions returned to normal."

On judicial actions to maintain security, Jahangir explained: "As the Judiciary head stated in coordination meetings with the intelligence community, our institution is committed to full cooperation to ensure both physical and psychological security. The enemy's main focus is undermining our power and security."

He added: "During this period, there were efforts to destabilize public security through rumors and internal elements. But thanks to the nation’s support and divine assistance, all threats were effectively countered. Citizens played a key role by sharing information with law enforcement and security forces. The public must remain alert and report any suspicious activity to the relevant authorities."

Jahangir further said: "Since the start of the imposed 12-day war, on the Judiciary Chief’s orders, meetings were held under the supervision of the First Deputy and the Prosecutor General. Directives were issued, and provincial sessions were convened with judicial heads and prosecutors. No disruption occurred in the judicial process, and even regular administrative leaves were canceled. Staff returned voluntarily to ensure continued operations and take preventive measures against enemy plots. Updates on the outcomes will be shared in due time."

On judicial follow-up regarding attacks on civilians, Jahangir declared: "During the 12-day assault, the Zionist regime violated multiple foundational principles of international law—including the UN Charter’s prohibition of force under Article 2(4)—thereby committing the crime of aggression. This, combined with crimes against humanity and potential genocide, falls under the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court (ICC)."

He continued: "Based on confirmed data, the Zionist regime martyred or injured hundreds of innocent people. Seven hospitals, four health centers, and six emergency bases were damaged. The national broadcasting headquarters was attacked twice. These actions reflect a complete collapse of the principle of distinction between civilian and military targets—central to international humanitarian law—and thus constitute war crimes under Article 8 of the ICC Statute."

Jahangir stressed: "Classifying and documenting each category of Israel’s crimes with both legal and factual precision is essential. Legal proceedings are underway at national, regional, and international levels—through judicial, quasi-judicial, and political channels. Since there is no global human rights court, human rights-related cases can only be raised in the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and the ICC."

Regarding espionage cases, Jahangir said: "Due to the complex and sensitive nature of these cases, final rulings take time. Once verdicts are finalized and implemented, we will inform the public. Efforts are underway to expedite these cases with accuracy across provinces."

He concluded: "The Prosecutor General, under the Judiciary Chief’s directive, is monitoring these cases. Special committees and dedicated branches have been set up in the provinces. We have multiple cases where individuals have confessed to cooperating with Israel against national interests—including the production of banned equipment like drones. As many of these are still under investigation and may lead to further arrests, full details will be shared with the public once inquiries are complete."

In response to a question about how many individuals have so far been arrested and had cases filed against them on charges of spying for Israel, the Judiciary Spokesperson stated: “To answer this question, there are a few preliminary points that must be addressed. First, it should be noted that handling security and espionage cases involves numerous complex dimensions. On the one hand, public opinion rightly expects that such criminals be swiftly prosecuted and punished in the shortest time possible — a right that must be fulfilled.

On the other hand, it is essential that information from such individuals be thoroughly collected by security officers, intelligence agencies, and judicial authorities. Each of these traitorous elements may possess valuable intelligence that should not be overlooked in the interest of speed, as this information could potentially lead to the identification of other individuals or networks (including Zionist elements operating within the country). This matter must not be neglected.”

He added: “While the judiciary must act with firmness, it must also operate with justice. There are different scenarios that must be considered. For example, when a person knowingly and intentionally commits an act in cooperation with the enemy, the offense is clear and easily attributable. But if someone unknowingly engages in an illegal act — unaware that it involves collaboration with the Zionist enemy or another hostile entity — then although the act was unlawful, it was not committed with intent. We cannot treat those who knowingly aided the enemy the same as those who acted without awareness.”

He continued: “While we are legally and decisively pursuing all enemy agents at every level, we must also distinguish between those who, under ordinary circumstances — such as through rental contracts, leasing, or other legal agreements — unknowingly collaborated with the enemy, and those who did so with full knowledge and intent. Therefore, some people currently suspected of espionage based on public reports may later be cleared of suspicion. So, while our prosecutors and courts — under the direction of the Head of the Judiciary and all judicial officials — are ensuring that no criminal escapes justice, the public must also help ensure that no innocent person remains unjustly detained.”

Jahangir stated: “Currently, several individuals have been arrested on charges of espionage, and their cases are being examined professionally and legally. Some of them have formally been charged as spies, but we must allow the legal process to proceed properly. Until a court issues a verdict, we cannot definitively label or treat anyone as a spy.”