Iranian Media: Escaping Evin Prisoners Possibly Caught by Landmines

Iran’s Fars news agency – which is affiliated to the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corp – today reported that prisoners attempting escape from Evin Prison yesterday were caught in a minefield that surrounded the facility.

Sharq newspaper, however, quoted an informed source that denied the explosions were caused by mines.

"During the events of last night, no prisoners [left their prison wards] and reports of prisoners stepping on landmines are denied," the source said. But neither the Sharq story nor its informed source provided alternative explanations for the explosion.

The prisoners were reportedly trying to escape following a riot reported by IranWire and widely in the media. Explosions and alarms were heard last night and fires as well as plumes of smoke could be seen coming from the prison. Gunfire could also be heard.

Fars also said: "Some prisoners benefitted from the fire and smoke and tried to escape while fighting with security forces. They entered the minefield on the north side of the prison, where the mountains are located, and the sounds of the [resulting] explosions were caused by these mines being triggered [by the prisoners]."

The report did not mention the possible number of prisoners who attempted escape or the extent of their injuries. Other reports suggested that eight people were injured.

Last night IranWire published footage of the fires seen at Evin Prison.

There are reports of revolts in wards 7 and 8 of the notorious Evin Prison in #Tehran. Prisoners in the other wards and neighbors have been hearing gunshots for a long time. Many of the protesters detained during the recent protests are also jailed in Evin. #Mahsa_Amini pic.twitter.com/TJAFq79EEt

— IranWire (@IranWireEnglish) October 15, 2022