Tragic Stories Emerge from Iran's Protest Crackdown: A Personal Account

Thu Jan 15 2026 14:57:49 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

The recent protests in Iran have led to devastating consequences, with an alarming number of lives lost. This article recounts the journey of a man who carried his wife's body for an hour and a half after she was fatally shot during the protests, highlighting the personal tragedies that have unfolded amid political unrest.

As protests erupted across Iran in early January, many demonstrators faced severe repercussions and violence. One poignant story is that of Reza, who carried his wife Maryam's body for over an hour after she was fatally shot during a demonstration. This harrowing incident reflects a broader narrative where at least 2,400 protesters are reported to have been killed, including children, amidst a violent crackdown by authorities. Despite the dangers, witnesses share their experiences to shed light on the violent realities faced by protesters.

Warning: This article contains graphic descriptions of death and injury.

Heading home after joining a protest in Tehran on 8 January, Reza put his arms around his wife Maryam to protect her. “Suddenly, I felt my arm go light – there was only her jacket in my hands,” he told a family member, who later spoke to BBC Persian. Maryam had been fatally shot - and they had no idea where the bullet had come from.

Reza carried Maryam's body for an hour and a half. Exhausted, he sat down in an alley. After a short time, the door of a nearby house opened. The people who lived there took them into their garage, brought a white sheet and wrapped Maryam's body in it.

Days before the protests, Maryam spoke to her children, assuring them that their lives mattered too. Little did they know that she would not return home alive.

Maryam is one of thousands of protesters who did not return home as Iranian authorities responded to the demonstrations with deadly force. The U.S.-based Iranian Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) confirms the killing of at least 2,400 protesters, including 12 children, during the rapid escalation of protests.

The toll of the uprising continues to rise, complicated by an imposed internet blackout that restricts communication and reporting. The Iranian government has described the unrest as being led by 'rioters and terrorists' while denying reports of deaths among security personnel.

The protests, which began over economic grievances, escalated to widespread calls for political change against Iran's ruling clerics, resulting in significant violence in various cities.

As Reza mourns his wife, many others share similar fears and losses. Eyewitness accounts reveal that the violence was relentless, with security forces reportedly aiming at heads and faces amidst chaotic scenes reminiscent of war.

Young victims like Sorena Golgun, a university student shot while trying to escape, and Robina Aminian, a fashion-design student killed in Tehran, underscore the tragic cost of seeking change in Iran.

As demonstrations spread to all 31 provinces, the Iranian regime's violent responses raise concerns about future repercussions and ongoing human rights abuses as many flee the country, fearing for their safety.