Evin Prison facts for kids
Evin Prison is a well-known prison located in Iran. It sits in the foothills of the Alborz Mountains, close to the city of Tehran. Many people who speak out for change, known as activists, and lawyers have been held here.
The prison was first built in 1971, during the time Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi ruled Iran. It was originally meant to hold people who were considered political prisoners. Back then, it could hold about 320 prisoners. After the 1979 revolution, the prison grew much larger and can now hold around 15,000 prisoners. People held there have faced very difficult conditions.
Contents
Evin Prison: A Look Inside
Evin Prison is an important place in Iran's history. It has been used to hold people who disagree with the government or who are involved in political activities.
How Did Evin Prison Start?
The prison began its operations in 1971. It was built specifically to house political prisoners, which are people held by a government because of their political views or actions, rather than for typical crimes.
Early Years of the Prison
When it first opened, Evin Prison was much smaller. It had space for a few hundred prisoners. During this time, it was used by the government to control political opposition.
After the Iranian Revolution
After the Iranian Revolution in 1979, the prison's role changed. It became much larger and began to hold many more people. The number of prisoners increased significantly, reaching thousands.
What is a Political Prisoner?
A political prisoner is someone who is arrested and held by a government because of their political beliefs, actions, or their involvement in movements that challenge the government. This is different from someone arrested for breaking common laws like theft or violence.
Why Are People Held as Political Prisoners?
People might be held as political prisoners for many reasons. They could be journalists, writers, students, or activists who speak out about human rights or government policies. Sometimes, they are held for organizing protests or trying to bring about political change.
Location of Evin Prison
Evin Prison is located in a specific area near Iran's capital city.
Where is Evin Prison Located?
The prison is situated in the northern part of Tehran, Iran. It is built in the foothills of the Alborz Mountains, which are a large mountain range in the country. This location makes it somewhat isolated from the main city.