Amnesty International: Israeli army’s attack on Evin Prison must be investigated and prosecuted as a war crime

Publishing its report on the Israeli regime’s attack on Evin Prison, Amnesty International described the action as a grave breach of international humanitarian law and declared: this attack must be investigated and prosecuted as a war crime.

Amnesty International’s report, based on verified videos, satellite imagery, and accounts from witnesses and families of prisoners, stated that the Israeli military carried out several airstrikes on Evin Prison, resulting in the deaths and injuries of dozens of civilians and causing widespread damage and destruction at no fewer than six different locations within the prison complex.

According to the report on the Israeli attack on Evin Prison, these strikes occurred during office hours, at a time when many parts of the prison were filled with civilians. The report clarifies that hundreds of other civilians were present in the prison courtyard at the time, and the attack coincided with prisoner visitation hours.

The report further states: under international humanitarian law, prisons and detention centers are considered civilian objects. In this case, there is no credible evidence indicating that Evin Prison had been turned into a legitimate military target.

Erika Guevara-Rosas, Amnesty International’s Senior Director for Research and Advocacy, stated: Israel has openly and deliberately targeted civilian infrastructure. Targeting civilian facilities is explicitly prohibited under international humanitarian law, and knowingly and deliberately carrying out such attacks constitutes a war crime.

She stressed that the Israeli regime must have known that any airstrike on Evin Prison could lead to extensive harm to civilians and emphasized that prosecutorial authorities worldwide must ensure that all those responsible for this deadly attack are brought to justice.

Meanwhile, Amnesty International’s Evidence Lab analyzed pre- and post-strike satellite images of Evin Prison and verified 22 videos and 59 photographs. These materials reveal extensive destruction and damage in six areas of the prison’s southern, central, and northern sections.

Amnesty International’s report also refers to statements by Israeli officials, including War Minister Israel Katz and Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, as well as the official statement from the Israeli military regarding the attack on Evin Prison. According to the report, the Israeli military confirmed the attack on Evin Prison just hours after it took place, and senior Israeli officials boasted about it on social media. These constitute self-incriminating admissions by Israeli officials.

Part of Amnesty International’s report on the Israeli attack on Evin Prison addresses the relevant international laws and standards. This section states: under international humanitarian law, direct attacks on civilians and civilian objects are prohibited; attacks may only target legitimate military objectives. Attacking forces are obligated to take all feasible measures to protect civilians, including distinguishing between military and civilian targets.

Furthermore, those responsible for violations of international humanitarian law are required to provide full reparations for any harm caused. The UN’s Basic Principles and Guidelines on the Right to a Remedy and Reparation for Victims of Gross Violations of International Human Rights Law and Serious Violations of International Humanitarian Law affirm the obligation of perpetrators to provide effective reparations, including restitution, compensation, rehabilitation, satisfaction, and guarantees of non-repetition.