WANA (Jul 12) – Iran’s Judiciary spokesman Asghar Jahangir said the Judiciary does not confirm claims that a recent incident at Evin Prison was intended to eliminate Israeli spies. He clarified that no Israeli spies were harmed in the event.

 

Speaking at a press conference on Saturday, Jahangir emphasized that the Israeli regime has committed war crimes through clear violations of international law. He stated that Israel’s actions fall under the scope of Article 8 of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC), which defines war crimes.

 

He emphasized that, based on the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice (ICJ), the obligation to respect and ensure human rights is not limited to peacetime, but applies during armed conflicts as well.

 

Jahangir said that Israel’s attacks have infringed upon the rights of Iranian citizens, including the right to life, health, freedom of movement, and personal security. He also pointed to the attack on Iran’s national broadcaster (IRIB) building as a violation of international humanitarian law and an infringement on the fundamental right to freedom of expression.

 

According to Jahangir, this attack may also constitute a crime against humanity and is subject to prosecution under the jurisdiction of the ICC. He noted that identifying and documenting Israel’s crimes based on their material, mental, and legal elements is a priority, and that legal proceedings are being pursued on national, regional, and international levels through judicial, quasi-judicial, and political mechanisms.

 

He added that in the absence of a specialized international human rights court, such cases can only be brought before the two existing institutions: the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court. Jahangir also mentioned that several quasi-judicial mechanisms are being activated.

 

Iranian institutions such as the Red Crescent Society, the Ministry of Health, and the High Council for Human Rights, he said, are cooperating with international organizations, including the Red Cross, the World Health Organization (WHO), and the UN Human Rights Council to utilize all available mechanisms for legal accountability.

 

Jahangir stated that formal complaints and special reports are being submitted through the Human Rights Council, including via Resolution 1503, and expressed hope that these efforts will result in the condemnation of Israel and the United States and lead to reparations.

 

In response to a question about whether any inmates escaped during the attack on Evin Prison, the Judiciary spokesman also said: “Yes, a small number did escape, but the number is not significant. We also had inmates at Evin who not only did not attempt to flee but actually helped the wounded.”

 

He added, “A few individuals took advantage of the situation and fled, but they will certainly be arrested and returned to prison. There are no high-profile individuals among the escaped inmates.”