Iran Protests Result in Hundreds of Deaths, Including Young Coach and Student

Tue Jan 13 2026 15:29:01 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Amidst escalating violence in the Iranian protests, the fatalities include a beloved futsal coach and a courageous fashion student, spotlighting the intense struggles facing demonstrators across the nation.

Anti-government protests in Iran have led to hundreds of deaths, with tragic stories emerging about individuals like Amir Mohammad Koohkan, a 26-year-old coach, and Rubina Aminian, a 23-year-old student, whose lives were cut short by violence during demonstrations. Reports indicate that nearly 500 protesters and security personnel have been killed since the protests began in late December, as demands for political reform continue to grow amidst government crackdowns.

A referee and a student are among hundreds of people reportedly killed during massive anti-government protests in Iran.

Coach Amir Mohammad Koohkan, 26, was hit by live ammunition on 3 January during protests in the town of Neyriz, his friend told BBC Persian.

Everyone knew him for his kindness, they said, adding his family is grieving and angry because he was killed by the regime.

Five days later, student Rubina Aminian, 23, was shot from behind during a protest in Tehran, according to human rights groups. She fought for things she knew were right, her uncle told CNN.

Nearly 500 protesters and 48 security personnel have been killed in two weeks of protests, a US-based rights group says.

Sources in Iran have told the BBC the death toll is likely higher than reported.

Demonstrations began on 28 December over the economy in the capital Tehran and have spread to 186 cities and all 31 provinces, according to the Human Rights Activist News Agency (HRANA).

The protests have grown into the largest in years, with calls for an end to the Islamic Republic and the rule of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

The protests led to a government crackdown, with at least 10,600 people reportedly arrested and 496 protesters killed, according to HRANA.

Medical staff in Iran have described hospitals overwhelmed with dead and injured patients. The BBC also verified that 70 bodies were brought to Poursina Hospital in Rasht city on 9 January.

Among the protest victims was Koohkan, who was killed in Neyriz in south-west Fars Province, his friend said. It was far too soon for him, really far too soon. He was so young, the friend added.

Koohkan was known throughout his town for his kindness, leading to a significant outpouring of grief and anger from the community following his death. Rubina Aminian also became a symbol of the movement after she was shot during a protest while advocating for women's rights.

These events underscore the intensity and urgent demands of the protesters, who seek significant reforms in Iran.