Rat-infested hell where 200 inmates share five toilets

SEVERE overcrowding, disease and intolerable heat are all part of daily life in Iran’s notorious Evin jail.

Cells in Evin, described as “the dark crown jewel” of Iran’s prison system, are filthy, infested with bugs and rats.

Temperatures rise above 50C in summer and a lack of medical supplies makes for epidemic levels of sickness. Prisoners wait weeks to see a doctor.

Some wings have five toilets and showers for more than 200 prisoners.

Many of them sleep in halls and even by stinking toilets, due to overcrowding. Officials recognise problems with overcrowding, inadequate sanitation and food, and the struggle with infectious diseases, such as Aids and hepatitis, but nothing has been done.

The authorities showcased facilities provided only to rich inmates behind bars for financial crimes. These areas included a gym, beauty salon, a library and even a restaurant.

But other inmates describe solitary cells with no windows, ventilation or lavatory as “dungeons” and call the dark interrogation rooms, “graves”.