Remembering the Victims: The Faces Behind Iran's Protest Killings

Mon Feb 09 2026 22:46:14 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A recent project by BBC News Persian has identified and verified the names and stories of over 200 individuals killed during Iran's protest crackdown, shedding light on their lives and the circumstances of their deaths.

Following widespread protests in Iran, BBC News Persian has confirmed the identities of over 200 victims of state violence. This ongoing project compiles eyewitness accounts, social media footage, and historical data to document the brutality faced by protesters, including heartbreaking stories that resonate deeply within Iranian society. Current reports indicate approximately 6,872 deaths, with details of individual stories emerging to personalize the tragedy behind the statistics.

Remembering the Victims: The Faces Behind Iran's Protest Killings

A recent project by BBC News Persian has verified the identities of more than 200 individuals among the thousands killed during Iran's violent crackdown on protests. This initiative aims to chronicle the events surrounding their deaths, and provides a personal narrative about their lives.

The investigation used various methods including social media analysis, eyewitness testimonies, and cross-referencing with data from human rights organizations. Since the beginning of the unrest in December, it is reported that the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) has confirmed the deaths of up to 6,872 protesters, including over 150 children.

'Side by Side'

Among the victims are Mansoureh Heydari and her husband, Behrouz Mansouri, who were shot and killed by security forces during the protests in Bushehr on January 8. They left behind two young children, aged eight and ten.

While Iranian authorities acknowledge at least 3,000 deaths, they claim many were security personnel. The BBC has documented victims through an interactive 'face wall' on their website, encouraging readers to explore personal stories behind the numbers.

'Dad, I'm Burning'

One poignant story is that of Ghazal Damarcheli, a 17-year-old art student who was shot outside her home. Reports state that she fell into her father’s arms, uttering “Dad, I’m burning,” before succumbing to her injuries. Similarly tragic is the case of Negin Ghadimi, a biotechnology student shot while protesting in Tonekabon, whose father grieves over her senseless death.

Ongoing Project

The project remains dynamic, with teams continuing to verify further names and stories as they come to light. Despite governmental efforts to restrict internet access for weeks, the BBC utilized satellite technology and witness accounts to continue their investigation and ensure these voices are remembered.

This project serves not only as a documentation of loss but also as a reminder of the individual lives impacted by state violence during the protests in Iran, highlighting their dreams and aspirations that were tragically cut short.