Iran has appointed a new chief of prisons following protests by family members over reports that inmates had been abused at a notorious jail.

The official Islamic Republic News Agency said on April 23 that Asghar Jahangir would replace Gholamhossein Esmaili.

Jahangir is described as a close adviser to Ayatollah Sadegh Amoli, a cleric and the head of the government’s judiciary branch.

Former chief Esmaili was appointed the new head of the Tehran Justice Department!

The families of men incarcerated in Evin prison in Tehran have protested twice this week, outside parliament and near President Hassan Rohani’s office.

The demonstration came after reports emerged that inmates in Section 350, where prisoners accused of political crimes are held, were beaten, including some who needed hospitalization.

Authorities have denied allegations that prison guards may have committed assault.

The human rights group Amnesty International has expressed concern about the reported violence.

Based on reporting by irna.ir and AP
RFE/RL