Head of the ICRC delegation in Iran: Shocked by the targeting of civilians and prisoners’ families

During a visit to various sections of Evin Prison — which was damaged in a terrorist attack by the Zionist regime — Vincent Cassard, Head of the ICRC Delegation in Iran, stated: “International humanitarian law strictly and unequivocally prohibits any attack on civilians and civilian infrastructure, including prisons such as this one.”

Cassard was accompanied on Wednesday evening by Pir Hossein Kolivand, Head of the Iranian Red Crescent Society, and Heshmatollah Hayat Al-Ghaib, Director-General of Tehran Prisons, as they toured the affected areas of Evin Prison.

The ICRC representative visited the prison's visitation area, kitchen, infirmary, administrative offices, and other sections that were severely damaged in the Israeli attack.

On the sidelines of the visit, Cassard said: “I thank the Red Crescent president for bringing us here. This visit allowed us to witness firsthand the level of destruction inflicted on this prison.”

He continued: “We were shocked to see how civilians, families of prisoners, and ordinary individuals were affected by this attack.”

Cassard emphasized that the ICRC is responsible for monitoring the implementation of international humanitarian law (IHL), also known as the laws of war. He reiterated that: “IHL strictly and absolutely prohibits attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure, such as this prison.”

Referring to the attack on the prison infirmary, where several individuals were killed or injured, he said: “Under international humanitarian law, hospitals and medical facilities are protected and must never be targeted. Those present in such places — including prisoners — are civilians and must be safeguarded.”

Kolivand, President of the Red Crescent Society, added during the visit: “In this attack by the Zionist regime, humanitarian workers at the prison, visiting civilians, prisoners, and service personnel were directly targeted.”

He stressed: “Today, the ICRC delegation head not only visited Evin Prison but also the home of martyr Rasouli, a volunteer with the Red Crescent. I requested that he personally witness these inhumane and unlawful acts beyond the reports and documents already shared with them.”

Kolivand concluded: “Unfortunately, around 80 people were martyred and several others injured in this attack. We have submitted detailed reports to the ICRC and the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court.”

He emphasized: “According to the Geneva Conventions, the bombing of such facilities is strictly prohibited and constitutes a war crime.”