Unveiling the Lives Lost: Victims of Iran's Protest Crackdown

Tue Feb 10 2026 01:07:24 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Amidst the brutal crackdown on protests in Iran, BBC News Persian has verified the identities of over 200 victims killed, shedding light on their stories and the circumstances of their deaths.

The recent unrest in Iran has led to thousands of casualties as security forces suppressed widespread protests. BBC News Persian has undertaken a detailed project to document and verify the identities of those killed, including emotional accounts from family members and friends. An interactive platform allows readers to explore the profiles of the victims, emphasizing the tragic loss of life during this critical time in Iran.

Unveiling the Lives Lost: Victims of Iran's Protest Crackdown

The crackdown on protests following widespread unrest in Iran has led to a harrowing rise in casualties. BBC News Persian has verified the identities of over 200 individuals who lost their lives during this brutal response, marking a poignant effort to honor these victims and document their stories.

Through a meticulous investigation that includes scrutinizing social media footage and eyewitness accounts, this project chronicles the tragic circumstances of how and when these individuals were killed. Many accounts come directly from sources close to the victims, providing a heartbreaking glimpse into their lives. The Human Rights Activists News Agency has reported a staggering total of 6,872 fatalities, including over 150 children.

Remembering the Victims

Among those featured in the project is Mansoureh Heydari, who alongside her husband, Behrouz Mansouri, was fatally shot by security forces on January 8 during protests in Bushehr. Their tragic deaths illustrate the brutal reality faced by many engaged in the fight against oppression. The couple left behind two young children, and their story is emblematic of the broader human cost of the conflict.

Another heartbreaking account is that of 17-year-old art student Ghazal Damarcheli, who was shot outside her family home in Karaj. Tragically, her family faced additional distress when the security forces denied them a proper burial close to home, reflecting the continuing pressure on families of victims.

A Project Still Unfolding

This ongoing project involves detailed interviews and the careful piecing together of information from multiple sources within Iran, taking extreme care due to safety concerns for those involved. In the wake of internet blackouts imposed by the government during peak protest times, the BBC team adapted creatively, utilizing satellite technology and brave eyewitness accounts.

Readers can explore these stories further through an interactive 'face wall' on the BBC News Persian website, allowing a deep dive into the lives lost during this crisis. As verification continues, the project aims to honor more lives and ensure their stories are not forgotten.