Fighting and a major fire broke out in Iran’s Evin prison last night, injuring at least nine people. Iranian state media reports. Flames and smoke can be seen in pictures on social media. Shots and explosions can be heard on videos.

The notorious prison houses many political prisoners, including opponents of the Iranian regime, who were arrested during the protests of the past few weeks. It is not clear if the prison fire is related to these ongoing protests. According to the Persian BBC reporter Rana Rahimpour, a connection cannot be ruled out.

Iranian state media stress that the fire has nothing to do with the protests; Prisoners who were imprisoned for “minor” offenses are said to have set fire to a textile warehouse. Then they allegedly got into a brawl with guards.

Firefighters worked late into the night to put out the fire.

Footage from last night shows flames and plumes of smoke inside Evin prison:

Those captured include Iranian-American businessman Siamak Namazi, who is being held on espionage charges. The United States last night expressed concern about the situation at Evin prison. “Iran bears full responsibility for the safety of our unjustly detained citizens, who must be released immediately,” a spokesman said. Twitter.

President Biden said the Iranian government is “so repressive” that he has “tremendous respect” for people taking to the streets. A spokesman for the Iranian foreign ministry accused Biden in state media today of interfering in internal affairs.

Week-long demonstrations

Iran has been protesting the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini for weeks. She was arrested by police for allegedly not wearing her headscarf in accordance with Iranian regulations. According to eyewitnesses, she was ill-treated by the police after her arrest. Amini was taken to the hospital, where she fell into a coma and died.

Iranians, including many young people, gather daily to demonstrate. They are demanding the resignation of the Iranian government. The police are taking action against the protests. Hundreds of people have died, according to human rights groups.

The Iranian-British Nanzanin Zaghari-Ratcliff was also held in Evin prison. She was accused of “espionage” and “conspiracy” to overthrow the Iranian government. Zaghari-Ratcliff was finally put on a plane bound for London in March this year after Britain paid £400m in outstanding debt to Iran for her release.