Four inmates were killed at a Tehran prison known for holding political prisoners and dissidents after a large fire broke out when clashes erupted between inmates and guards.
The blaze started on Saturday night as widespread anti-government protests that have gripped Iran entered their fifth week. The fire started in a wing of Evin prison, according to the state-run Islamic Republic News Agency, which said the facility houses “thieves and financial criminals.”
Some 61 prisoners were injured in the incident, including four who are in critical condition, IRNA said. Security forces were sent to the compound late on Saturday and firefighters managed to put out the flames, IRNA reported, adding that clashes between prisoners and guards led to a fire breaking out in a sewing workshop and warehouse holding prison clothes.
