Mehraveh Khandan, daughter of jailed Iranian human rights activist Reza Khandan, broke down in a viral video as authorities urged civilians to evacuate parts of Tehran amid escalating tensions and Israeli airstrikes.
In the emotional clip, she asks how her imprisoned father can be kept safe, highlighting the plight of political prisoners and their families. Advocacy groups have called for urgent action to protect detainees, while officials remain largely silent on immediate solutions for those in custody.
Emotional Plea Goes Viral as Tehran Evacuates
In a now widely shared video, Mehraveh Khandan tearfully addresses the public and officials: “My dad is in prison. Can you tell me, how can my father evacuate Tehran?” Her desperate appeal has resonated globally, drawing attention to the vulnerability of thousands of prisoners—including political detainees and foreign nationals—trapped in Tehran’s notorious Evin Prison as bombs fall nearby.
Advocacy organisations, such as Iran Human Rights and the New York Center for Rights, have warned of the severe risk to prisoners’ lives and urged adherence to international humanitarian law. Official statements from Iranian authorities have not addressed the specific concerns of prisoners or their families, though evacuation orders for civilians remain in place.
Background: Prisoners Left Behind in a City Under Threat
The crisis comes as Israel intensifies airstrikes on Tehran, prompting mass civilian evacuations and raising fears for the safety of those unable to leave, including prisoners. Evin Prison, where Reza Khandan and many others are held, is known for its harsh conditions and lack of protective infrastructure during attacks.
Prisoners themselves have written to the judiciary, citing Iranian legal codes that allow for conditional release or temporary leave during wartime emergencies, but these requests have so far gone unanswered5. The situation is further complicated by the presence of foreign detainees and political dissidents, whose families and governments are also pressing for information and action.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
At The Logical Indian, we believe in the universal values of compassion, dignity, and the right to safety for all, especially in times of crisis.
The heartbreaking appeal of Mehraveh Khandan reminds us that prisoners and their families are often the most vulnerable during conflict. We urge all parties to prioritise dialogue, empathy, and swift action to protect those at risk.
