Harrowing Lives of Women in Iran's Evin Prison: A Mirror of Resistance

This article sheds light on the challenging experiences of women imprisoned in Iran's notorious Evin prison. It details their daily lives filled with fear, torture, and resistance, amid a backdrop of activism against oppressive laws and conditions.

Crouched on the cold, concrete floor of a small, windowless cell, Nasim could hear the harrowing sounds of fellow inmates being tortured. "Get ready, you're next," the guard warned ominously, instilling fear into her heart. Her ordeal began in April 2023 when she was thrown into solitary confinement in Evin prison, notorious for its brutal conditions. During her time there, she endured intense interrogation sessions lasting upwards of 10 hours daily, and threats of execution hung over her like a dark cloud.

Evin prison has become a graveyard for dreams where women are languishing after being arrested during the "Woman, Life, Freedom" protests sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini, a young woman arrested over hijab laws who tragically died in custody. Reports from those who have been released, alongside insights from reliable sources, illustrate a grim picture of life inside this oppressive environment that stretches beyond mere survival.

While some recount tales of brutality and suffering, there are remarkable stories of resilience and defiance among the women. Not only do they continue their campaigns for women's rights, they find ways to bond with one another. Creative outlets blossom within the prison walls; Vida, a fellow inmate, turned bedsheets into canvases, painting portraits and capturing their shared struggle. However, she faced severe repercussions as authorities often vandalized her heartfelt creations.

Nasim, who pursued her passion for hairstyling before imprisonment, had her life shattered when she joined protests against the government. Her friend was killed during the crackdown, prompting Nasim to resign herself to her fate. Even after enduring prolonged cruelty and torture, she clung to hope, aided by camaraderie within the prison. Every morning, a fellow inmate would encourage her to rise for breakfast, fostering momentary joy despite an alarming reality.

Despite the dark shadows that loom, small victories have been achieved. The imprisoned women have protested against execution, burned their hijabs, and demanded their rights, drawing solidarity internationally. While they are often met with brutality from guards—who can be both cruel and unexpectedly sympathetic—their spirits remain unbroken.

One particularly gripping account comes from Rezvaneh, who discovered her pregnancy while incarcerated. Despite the considerable challenges—and the painful knowledge that her husband was still detained in the men’s wing—she found solace in the lives forged within the prison community. The food scarcity and stress weighed heavily on her, with much of her pregnancy overshadowed by fear for her child's future.

As medical care remained a battle, prisoners like Narges Mohammadi, a prominent activist suffering from serious health issues, found themselves deprived of necessary treatments, showcasing the indifference of the authorities. These contests for basic human dignity resonate deeply within the prison walls, reinforcing their resolve to resist.

While the Iranian government denies claims of inhumane treatment within Evin, women's narratives illuminate a persistent struggle against the belittlement of their rights. As they await their fates and endure the terrifying threat of execution, these women embody an unwavering determination to reclaim their identities and advocate for their vision of freedom, eternally defying a system that seeks to repress them.

As Rezvaneh welcomed her daughter into a world marred by her own confinement, she and her fellow inmates vowed to continue their fight, drawing strength from each other during these harrowing times. Their stories are a testimony of courage amid despair, illuminating the harsh realities of women in Evin prison and the power of solidarity in the face of oppression.