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Straits Times
24-06-2025
- Politics
- Straits Times
What to know about Iran's notorious Evin prison
Israel struck Iran's Evin prison, a detention centre long been regarded as a symbol of repression, on June 23. PHOTO: AFP What to know about Iran's notorious Evin prison Follow our live coverage here. TEHRAN - Israel's military on June 23 targeted Iran's Evin prison, a notorious detention facility in Tehran, the capital, where dissidents and political prisoners are held. The detention centre has long been regarded as a symbol of repression, and human rights groups and survivors say that torture and executions are routine there. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz announced the attack, which came amid Israeli strikes elsewhere in Tehran. Video footage examined by The New York Times shows damage after a blast near an entrance. It was unclear why Israel struck the prison. There were no immediate reports of injuries, and Iran said it still had control of the facility. Here's what to know about the prison and the Israeli attack: What is Evin prison? Thousands of prisoners are held at Evin, among them hundreds of dissidents, including prominent opposition politicians, activists, lawyers, journalists, environmental activists and students. It is also used to hold prominent non-Iranian or dual-citizen prisoners, many of whom have been accused of spying. The prison sits on a hilltop in northern Tehran at the foot of the Alborz Mountains. The compound is surrounded by electrified barbed-wire fences as well as a minefield. How was the prison damaged? IRNA, the Iranian state news agency, reported that projectiles had caused 'damage to parts of the facility' but said the prison was 'under full control'. Video footage reviewed by the Times shows rescue workers clearing debris and metal beams collapsed by the strike from a gaping hole in the entrance. Other footage examined by the Times shows damage to buildings in the immediate aftermath of another explosion by a second entrance to the prison complex, about 0.9m from the main prison entrance. This strike appeared to be by an entrance to a visitation centre. How did Evin gain its reputation? The prison was opened in 1971 under Shah Mohammed Reza Pahlavi. Over the next seven years, the facility came to international prominence because of what Human Rights Watch called the 'horrifying conditions' in which prisoners were held by the secret police. A 1979 revolution, set off in part by anger at the autocratic government, overthrew the shah, ushering in a theocratic regime under Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. But the prison's notoriety grew. In 1988, thousands of Evin prisoners were executed after cursory trials, according to Human Rights Watch. Many of those killed were viewed as a threat to the new Islamic government. Several prominent Iranians were detained at Evin during the wave of protests in 2022 that followed the death of Ms Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old Iranian woman arrested by Iran's morality police. During the protests, a huge fire broke out at the prison. Residents nearby reported gunshots and explosions amid chants of 'death to the dictator', and IRNA reported at the time that eight people had been injured. The cause of the fire remained unclear. In April, the European Union placed the head of the prison, Hedayatollah Farzadi, under sanctions. What are conditions like at the prison? Former prisoners have described long interrogations, torture, rape, psychological humiliation, solitary confinement and other examples of harsh treatment and abuse. Executions at the prison have often been conducted by hanging, they say. Female prisoners who have been tortured have also then been denied adequate medical care, according to Amnesty International. Ms Cecilia Sala, an Italian journalist who was detained in Iran in December 2024 and held at the prison before being released, said her cell had two blankets but no mattress or pillow. She said guards seized her glasses, rendering her all but unable to see. The lights in the cell were constantly on, and during daily interrogations, which lasted for hours, she was blindfolded and had to sit facing a wall, she said. Are foreign prisoners held at Evin? Iran has used the detention of foreign and dual citizens as a tool of its foreign policy for nearly five decades. Britain, France, the United States and others have accused Iran of detaining their citizens, as well as dual nationals, and using them as diplomatic bargaining chips. Ms Cécile Kohler and Mr Jacques Paris, two French citizens, were held for over three years at Evin. Their detention has become a sticking point in relations between France and Iran. Ms Kohler, 40, a literature professor, and her partner, Mr Paris, a retired professor in his 70s, were visiting Iran as tourists in 2022 when they were arrested on spying charges that France strenuously rejects. Other French citizens arrested on similar charges have been gradually released, leaving Ms Kohler and Mr Paris as the only French citizens remaining in Iranian custody. French authorities have likened the conditions they face in Evin to 'torture', saying they are in near total isolation and have almost no access to consular visits. In May , France filed a complaint against Iran at the International Court of Justice over their case. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot said on June 23 that Ms Kohler and Mr Paris were unhurt after the Israeli strikes, which he called 'unacceptable', and repeated France's demand for their release. NYTIMES Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Time of India
17-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Brace for $100 Oil? Brent jumps from $65 to $75 as 20% of global crude flows face threat through Iran's Strait of Hormuz
New Delhi: As tensions escalate between Iran and Israel, crude oil prices have surged nearly 15 per cent in just weeks, prompting New Delhi to take stock of India's energy security. Brent crude touched $75 a barrel—up from around $65 before the conflict—fuelled by fears of disruption through the Strait of Hormuz , the world's most critical oil artery. India's Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has swung into action, with top officials and PSU oil firms holding a high-level review meeting to assess the situation. A senior ministry official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said, 'There is no immediate threat to India's oil supplies, but the global market is on edge. We are watching developments closely and will act to safeguard consumer interest and macroeconomic stability.' Strait of Hormuz at centre of global oil anxiety The Strait of Hormuz, controlled by Iran, sees nearly 17 million barrels per day—about 20 per cent of global oil trade—flow through its narrow waters. Experts warn that any escalation in the conflict could lead to shipping blockades or strikes on key energy infrastructure. Rahul Kalantri, Vice President of Commodities at Mehta Equities, said, 'Iran could threaten or block shipping in the Strait—causing major supply chain disruptions. Any military escalation or disruption in shipping or output could lead to a 10–20 per cent jump in crude prices.' Prashant Vasisht, Senior Vice President and Co-Group Head, Corporate Ratings at ICRA, noted, 'As Iran straddles the Strait of Hormuz and its production is about 3 million barrels per day, targeted attacks on oil infrastructure can cause disruptions. Crude oil prices have already risen from ~$65/bbl to ~$75/bbl. Further impact will depend on how the situation unfolds.' Will Indian fuel supplies be hit? Although India has stopped importing crude from Iran due to sanctions, any disruption in Middle East shipping routes could still impact domestic fuel supplies. India sources over 85 per cent of its crude oil from overseas, largely from the Gulf. 'If the Strait is disrupted, even non-Iranian crude flows could be affected, tightening supply. Even if India shifts to suppliers like Russia, the US or West Africa, freight and logistics costs will rise,' Kalantri added. Impact on domestic fuel prices and industry A sustained spike in international crude prices could eventually lead to higher petrol and diesel rates in India. However, analysts believe that the government is likely to absorb near-term shocks without immediately passing the burden onto consumers. Vasisht said, 'If oil prices remain elevated, it could impact inflation and make petroleum products more expensive for consumers.' Kalantri added, 'We don't believe that the government is likely to immediately transfer this burden to end consumers, but key industries could face margin pressures.' India's contingency preparedness Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said on June 16 that India is 'comfortably placed' to meet its fuel needs despite global volatility. Reviewing the situation with top officials, he posted on X: 'As oil is on the boil, all eyes are on the ball… In the increasingly volatile geopolitical situation, reviewed the petroleum products supply situation with petroleum ministry officials and our PSU OMCs.' He added, 'Under the visionary leadership of PM Modi, we have diversified our import basket substantially and are comfortably placed to meet our fuel supply needs.' India's bilateral exposure and trade ties India exports goods worth $1.24 billion to Iran and imports $441.9 million. With Israel, exports total $2.15 billion while imports stand at $1.61 billion. The growing instability in the region not only threatens energy but broader trade flows. Looking ahead: Strategic reserves, market signals Global oil traders are already hedging for more volatility. Brent call options for $100 a barrel in August are trading in record volumes. Meanwhile, the US strategic petroleum reserve has inched up to 402 million barrels, but commercial stockpiles are trending downward. 'Oil markets are entering a high-alert phase. Even if no direct supply cut occurs, risk premiums alone can drive volatility,' said Kalantri.
Business Recorder
07-05-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Barter trade with Iran, Afghanistan: Senate panel assails MoC for proposing permanent EIF exemption
ISLAMABAD: The Senate Standing Committee on Commerce on Tuesday strongly criticised senior officials from the Ministry of Commerce for proposing a permanent exemption from the Electronic Import Form (EIF) for barter trade with Iran and Afghanistan— an act that may breach US sanctions. Neither Commerce Minister Jam Kamal nor Secretary Commerce Jawad Paul attended the meeting, citing other pressing engagements. Their absence drew further ire from the Committee, which was chaired by Senator Anusha Rahman Ahmad Khan. The Commerce Ministry's team, led by Additional Secretary Nasir Hamid, declined to share the draft summary intended for the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet. Hamid cited procedural rules that prohibit the sharing of such documents at any forum prior to ECC approval. Pakistan, Iran vow to meet potential $10bn trade target in coming years However, the Ministry informed the Committee that two separate summaries had been circulated to the Ministry of Finance, Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), and the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) for feedback. Officials clarified that no EIF exemption had been proposed for non-Iranian origin goods, as regular banking channels are available with those countries, in line with the SBP's letter dated April 9, 2025. Currently, imports of Iranian-origin goods are exempt from the EIF requirement until May 15, 2025. This exemption— limited to specific commodities— is being extended for 45 days at a time under High Court directives. 'We need a permanent solution to the EIF issue,' said Additional Secretary Hamid. 'The FIA is pursuing Commerce Ministry officials over alleged complicity in smuggling from Iran and Afghanistan. Pakistani banks are reluctant to process such trade for fear of penalties.' The Committee expressed strong reservations about the Ministry's request to exempt certain barter transactions from the Import Policy Order (IPO) 2022, the EIF, and financial instruments required under SBP regulations— including Chapter 13 of the Foreign Exchange Manual and Circular No. 5/2-16 dated August 9, 2016. These provisions currently apply to imports of Iranian goods via land routes until formal banking channels are established. 'I don't think the ECC or SBP will approve an EIF exemption due to the sanctions,' said Chairperson Senator Anusha Rahman. 'This request is unjustified. You're asking ECC to do something that falls afoul of US sanctions. If it were legally feasible, we wouldn't have needed the EIF two years ago. You are knowingly proposing a measure the SBP cannot support. Don't embarrass the government by pushing for what cannot be done.' She urged the Ministry to identify and address the obstacles facing traders and noted that there must either be a clearly defined barter trade policy or compliance with the existing Import Policy Order. 'We formed a sub-committee to explore ways to facilitate barter trade, but its report has yet to be submitted,' she added, demanding a timeline for its completion. Joint Secretary Waqas Azeem informed the Committee that three meetings had been held and final recommendations would be submitted by next Tuesday. Additional Secretary Hamid reiterated the Ministry's intent to find a lasting resolution for trade with Iran. The Committee also discussed the matter of approximately 1,200 trucks stranded in Balochistan, reportedly carrying goods not permitted under the current barter trade policy. Haji Fojan Barech, Chairman of the Dry Fruits Importers Association, claimed the trucks held dry fruits worth millions of dollars. However, the Ministry questioned the authenticity of his claims regarding both the contents and the number of vehicles. In a sarcastic remark, Senator Saleem Mandviwala suggested writing to the High Court for a 'lifetime exemption' from the EIF if the Ministry fails to find a workable solution. 'Currently, no formal mechanism exists for trade with Iran,' he added. 'There's more smuggling than legitimate trade because of our flawed policies.' Senator Hamid Ali Khan emphasised the need for formalised trade with Iran and Afghanistan, stressing that smuggling— especially in Balochistan— must be curbed. The Ministry of Commerce is currently reviewing the existing barter trade SRO in consultation with stakeholders. Three meetings have already been held by the committee established to identify gaps in SRO 642(1)/2023, which governs the B2B barter trade mechanism. Key decisions from the last meeting held on April 7, 2025, include: (i) elimination of the current list of importable/ exportable items in SRO 642(1)/ 2023 and alignment with the IPO/ EPO 2022 and prescribed conditions; (ii) the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will provide a list of items/ entities sanctioned by the US, UN, and other organisation; and (iii) FBR will propose amendments to enable transfer of credit between contracting parties for netting off goods' value. Chairperson Rahman remained unconvinced by the Ministry's presentation. 'This issue needs to be addressed at a higher level— beyond the comprehension of those in this meeting,' she said. After over an hour of discussion, the Committee agreed to hold a joint meeting with the Finance Minister, Commerce Minister, and Governor SBP to resolve the EIF exemption and barter trade mechanism. A representative from the Policy Research Institute of Market Economy (PRIME) presented data estimating the financial impact of smuggling and the informal economy at Rs 751 billion. However, the figures related to tobacco and pharmaceuticals were contested by Senator Faisal Rehman and representatives from the Pharma Association. According to a press release, the committee directed the Ministry of Commerce to fast track summaries initiated for barter trade and for the import policy order. The Committee members directed the ministry to resolve the confusion on trade with Iran, Russia and Afghanistan through a barter system, vs the parallel trade ongoing under IPO. Senator Saleem Mandviwalla reiterated the strategic importance of barter trade in tackling cross-border smuggling, stating barter trade from Iran and Afghanistan will help prevent smuggling. Affected traders added that over 1,200 trucks have been stalled at the border, loaded under barter terms, with sesame and rice exported without involving dollar payments. The Committee also constituted a Sub-committee comprising of Senators Zeeshan Khanzada, Sarmad Ali and Faisal Rahman to provide recommendation on the tobacco sector. It was also agreed that the issue of counterfeit medicines will be reviewed by the Standing Committee on Health. Trade and Investment Officers (TIOs) posted abroad also briefed the committee on potential trade opportunities, marking a continued commitment to expanding Pakistan's global trade footprint. Present at the meeting were Senators Sarmad Ali, Faisal Saleem Rehman, Bilal Ahmed Khan, Hamid Khan, Amir Waliuddin Chishti, Saleem Mandviwalla, Zeeshan Khanzada, and Muhammad Tallal Badar, along with senior officials from the Ministry of Commerce representatives from the private sector, and trade officers posted abroad. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
