Iran Demolishes Gohardasht Prison Watchtower Amid Fears Evidence of Crimes Will Be Erased

Iranian authorities have demolished a watchtower at the infamous political prison, defying warnings from human rights advocates that evidence of the 1988 mass executions could be lost.

Iranian authorities demolished one of the last watchtowers at Rajaei Shahr Prison, also known as Gohardasht Prison, over the weekend, The Jerusalem Post and Romanian outlet G4Media reported. Located in the city of Karaj, west of Tehran, the complex served for decades as a major detention facility for political dissidents.

The demolition was carried out as part of redevelopment and dismantling work at the site, despite sharp warnings from human rights organizations. Advocates cautioned that tearing down the structures threatens to erase physical evidence of crimes against humanity, most notably the 1988 mass executions of thousands of political prisoners.

Further details regarding the continuation of redevelopment plans at the site have not yet been released.