Iran says four killed and 61 injured in Evin prison fire

Iran said on Sunday that four prisoners had been killed and 61 injured in a fire at Tehran's Evin prison a day earlier, with state television airing video apparently showing that calm had returned to the facility.

The judiciary said four of those injured in Saturday's fire were in critical condition and those killed had died of smoke inhalation, Iranian state media reported.

Iranian authorities said on Saturday that a prison workshop had been set on fire "after a fight among a number of prisoners convicted of financial crimes and theft".

Evin holds many detainees facing security charges, including Iranians with dual nationality.

The footage of Evin aired on state television hours later showed firefighters inspecting a workshop with fire damage to the roof. It also showed inmates in their wards apparently "sleeping as calm has been restored".

In the footage broadcast on state television, a prison official said inmates had been allowed to contact their families.

The fire at Tehran's notorious Evin prison came amid ongoing unrest sparked by the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini while in the custody of Iran's morality police a month ago.

Rights groups said at least 240 protesters had been killed in the anti-government protests, including 32 minors. Over 8,000 people had been arrested in 111 cities and towns, Iranian activist news agency HRANA said on Saturday.

Iran, which has blamed the violence on enemies at home and abroad, deny security forces have killed protesters. State media said on Saturday at least 26 members of the security forces had been killed by "rioters".