Warning: This article contains violent content that some readers may find disturbing.
In January 2026, a brutal wave of violence by security forces met anti-government protests across Iran, reportedly resulting in thousands of deaths.
Numerous accounts reveal that Iranian government security forces deliberately targeted protesters with live ammunition.
Amidst widespread internet blackouts, severe restrictions on phone calls into Iran, and explicit threats against the families and friends of those killed, obtaining detailed testimonies from victims has proven exceptionally challenging.
Nevertheless, a BBC fact-finding team has succeeded in gathering information regarding some of the deceased.
This report compiles the poignant stories of several demonstrators who took to the streets but never returned home.
Among them are the heart-wrenching accounts of a couple who were shot and remained together until their last breath, and a father who, despite concerns for his children’s safety abroad, joined the protests, driven by a desire for “a better future for the next generation.”
Negin Ghadimi – A Daughter Dies in Her Father’s Arms
Negin Ghadimi, 28, was a biotechnology student with a passion for art and swimming. According to a relative, she participated in a protest on January 9.
Defying her father’s pleas, Negin joined the demonstrators in Shahsavar. Her relative recounted the horrific moment: “Security forces began shooting. A bullet struck Negin in her side, and she collapsed into her father’s arms, whispering, ‘Father, I’ve been shot,’ before dying instantly.”
Nima Parsa – The Language Teacher Who Taught for Free
Nima (Mohammad Amin) Parsa, a 26-year-old Italian and English teacher in Tehran, was a beacon of knowledge.
A relative reported that Nima was shot in the head during a protest in Tehran’s Tajrish Square on January 8. His body was returned to his grieving family only two days later.
“Nima created language teaching videos and uploaded them for free on YouTube. He had earned his bachelor’s degree in Italy a few years prior and then returned to Iran, eager to work and contribute,” his relative shared.
Mohammad Rezaei – The Hardworking Youth Back From Military Service
Mohammad Rezaei, 32, a single man from Tehran, was a testament to resilience.
One of his relatives told BBC Persia: “Mohammad was hit by a live bullet in the head during a protest on Friday, January 19, in Dolatabad.”
His body was taken to Haft Tir Hospital. Hospital officials informed his family, who had rushed to check on him, that Mohammad was there but denied them access to see him. The next day, the family was tragically informed of his death. Mohammad was buried on Sunday, a swift end to a life full of aspirations.
“Mohammad was a hardworking and active young man who loved playing futsal. He repeatedly tried to start various businesses, like opening a coffee shop, but due to the poor economic conditions, he always faced insurmountable obstacles,” his relative recalled. “He had just returned from two years of military service to the government. He dreamed of building a family with his partner and was full of hope and ambition.”
Saeed Golsorkhi – Wounded Protester Allegedly Killed in Custody
Saeed Golsorkhi, 31, was the youngest of eight siblings. A source close to his family reported that security forces shot him in the knee in front of the Shahroud Governor’s office on January 8.
“Officers initially started beating people, and Saeed got into a fight with them, after which the officers began shooting,” his relative stated. “Saeed was targeted and taken to the hospital, but upon seeing officers arresting wounded demonstrators there, he fled and went to his father’s house.”
However, officers soon raided their home to arrest him and opened fire. Saeed surrendered due to the presence of family members and a child in the house. A source close to the family recounted the chilling aftermath: “After arresting him in the alley, security officers shot him from behind, and he died.”
Saeed’s body was withheld from his family for several days until they were finally instructed, “Come and collect the body.” The source also indicated that his family is under immense intimidation. Saeed’s brother, Navid, is currently in detention, and the family fears for his safety.
“Saeed deeply loved his mother and always helped her; he was also a man of faith. He enjoyed sports and worked as a bodybuilder.” Saeed was single but had aspirations of starting a family and living a healthy life.
Raha Bahlolipour – Her Last Words: ‘Woman, Life, Freedom Forever’
Raha (Zahra) Bahlolipour, a 19-year-old student, was shot in the chest on Fatemi Street, Tehran, on January 9. She was enrolled in the Italian language program at the University of Tehran. Raha’s Instagram posts reveal a profound interest in books and films, often featuring photos of her favorite quotes.
In one particularly striking post, Raha highlighted a powerful quote from Forough Farrokhzad, reflecting her own deep convictions.
Raha penned: “My desire is for the freedom of Iranian women and their equal rights with men. I am fully aware of the suffering endured by my sisters and brothers in this country as a result of male injustice, and I dedicate half of my artistic work to embodying their pain and suffering. My wish is to create an environment conducive to women’s scientific, artistic, and social activities.”
In her final Telegram post, just moments before her death on January 9, Raha wrote: “I connected for a moment and just wanted to write: Woman, Life, Freedom forever.”
Behrouz Mansouri and Mansoureh Heidari – A Couple United in Death
Behrouz Mansouri and Mansoureh Heidari tragically lost their lives to live ammunition on Ashouri Street in Bushehr on January 8.
A source close to the family described the harrowing event: “When the crowd of demonstrators reached the Al-Quran Mosque, they were fired upon from the Basij resistance base. Tear gas was also deployed. Behrouz Mansouri was shot in the head. Mansoureh, turning to aid him, was then shot in her side,” a relative of the couple recounted.
According to a doctor, Mansoureh remained alive until midnight, but Basij and security forces prevented anyone from approaching the wounded for several crucial hours. The security forces eventually handed over their bodies to the families four days later.
Mansoureh’s elderly and ailing mother expressed profound pride that her daughter and son-in-law perished for their homeland, despite the immense pressure their families were under. They were laid to rest side-by-side in Buyeh Gaz village, 50 kilometers from Bushehr.
Mansoureh Heidari, 37, was a dedicated nurse, while Behrouz Mansouri was a respected teacher at a technical and vocational school in Bushehr. They leave behind two young children, aged 10 and 8, orphaned by the violence.
Hossein Naseri – A Father’s Sacrifice for Future Generations
Hossein Naseri, 73, was fatally shot in the leg in eastern Tehran on January 9. A retiree for many years, he had two adult children living outside Iran.
According to a source close to his family, before joining the protests, he declared: “I am confident in the safety and well-being of my children, and whatever happens to me does not matter. I will join the protests for a better future for the next generation.”
“Naseri loved to walk and explore nature,” his relative fondly recalled. Tragically, his children remained unaware of their father’s death for seven agonizing days due to the internet and phone blackouts. Hossein Naseri was laid to rest in Behesht Zahra.
Shabnam Ferdowsi – The Puppeteer Who Loved Color and Music
Shabnam Ferdowsi, 37, died on January 8 on Fatemi Street, Tehran, after being struck in the abdomen by a live bullet. A graduate of Tehran’s University of Science and Culture, Shabnam lived alone, having lost both her parents.
One of Shabnam’s friends affectionately recalled: “We called her Namnam because she was as beautiful and gentle as Namnam Baran (gentle rain). She loved colors, always wearing bright hues, and had a passion for films, TV series, and music. She earned her livelihood by crafting dolls,” her friend shared.
After Shabnam was shot, two individuals rushed her to a private hospital. However, when her family arrived to follow up, the hospital refused to admit her, citing unregistered personal information. Believing she had been arrested, her family searched for four agonizing days before finally discovering her body at Kahrizak.
Mehdi Jafari – The Humorous Youth Who Rescued Street Cats
Mehdi Jafari, 23, was killed on January 9 in Khani Abad, Tehran, after being shot in the back with a live bullet.
A source close to his family revealed: “Mehdi was wounded, but security officers prevented people from assisting the injured lying in the street and taking them to the hospital. If he had reached the hospital in time, he might have survived. Mehdi was a peaceful, humorous person who loved animals and nature,” his relative lamented.
“Mehdi adored cats; his workplace was often filled with local felines because he constantly fed and cared for them. He had even nursed one rescued cat back to health,” Mehdi’s relative added.
The family eventually found Mehdi Jafari’s body in Kahrizak. Security forces extorted money from the family and compelled them to promise a quiet burial, without the presence of friends or relatives. Mehdi Jafari was laid to rest “in silence” in Behesht Zahra on January 11.
Sepehr Ebrahimi – The Young Boxer Fighting for His Dreams
Sepehr Ebrahimi, 19, died on January 8 or 9 during protests in Andisheh, Tehran.
His relative recounted: “Sepehr’s mother was worried her son would go to the demonstrations and something would happen to him. That’s why he told his mother he was going to boxing practice. However, he secretly joined the demonstrators. His family had no news from him for seven agonizing days until they finally discovered his body.”
Sepehr was an amateur boxer, and his Instagram posts frequently showed him training in various locations. He inscribed a powerful message on one of his videos: “A man who does not fight has no right to hope.”
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Summary
In January 2026, anti-government protests across Iran were met with a brutal wave of violence from security forces, reportedly resulting in thousands of deaths. Iranian government security forces deliberately targeted protesters with live ammunition. Obtaining detailed testimonies from victims proved exceptionally challenging due to widespread internet blackouts, severe phone restrictions, and explicit threats against families.
Despite these challenges, a BBC fact-finding team successfully gathered poignant stories of several deceased demonstrators. These include Negin Ghadimi, a student who died in her father’s arms, and a couple, Behrouz Mansouri and Mansoureh Heidari, who were shot together. Other accounts highlight a father, Hossein Naseri, who joined protests for future generations, and individuals from various backgrounds with their unique aspirations.