Iran protest victim: 'They were shooting to kill'
DW spoke with several Iranians affected by a brutal crackdown at the hands of the Tehran's security forces during the height of massive public protests in January.
In January 2026, thousands of Iranians risked their lives in the largest anti-government protests the country had ever seen, according to Amnesty International. The regime's forces, comprising elements from the Ministry of Intelligence, the Basij militia, and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), responded with gunfire and beatings.
The crackdown led to international condemnation, but no foreign military intervention materialized. As the war overshadowed the aftermath, support for the Iranian people to oppose the regime diminished. Precise figures for the number of casualties are still unclear, with Iranian authorities citing over 3,100 deaths and human rights groups estimating up to 7,000 deaths.
The injuries sustained during the protests have left many victims with permanent physical disabilities, preventing them from working or pursuing education. One protester, Massoud, suffered severe injuries including a dislocated femur after being hit by pellets and repeatedly kicked by security forces. Another victim, Hamid Hemmatpour, a physician and board member of the Austrian Association of Health Professionals for Human Rights, highlighted the catastrophic transfer and treatment of the wounded during the crackdowns.
Many victims were subjected to arrest and forced to seek treatment at home due to the lack of ambulances and overcrowded hospitals. Human rights organizations have documented numerous cases of injuries caused by live ammunition and automatic weapons, with the head and chest being the most targeted areas, potentially indicating an intent to kill.
The crackdown's impact extended beyond the protesters, with some individuals injured while shopping, attending parties, or simply walking. These individuals faced additional prosecution from security forces. Human rights activist Mahla, who was injured while trying to help her son, now struggles with her injuries, which have left her unable to work.
The toll of the crackdown has also taken a psychological and financial toll on families, with some facing amputations, loss of jobs, and increased financial burdens.
Written by urgent.news from DW News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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