Rights groups say Iran killed thousands of protesters

Families and rights groups say Iranian authorities killed thousands of people in nationwide protests that began in late December and continued for weeks, The New York Times reported on Jan. 28, 2026, by piecing together accounts of five people who were killed. The demonstrations began over economic grievances and swelled into an antigovernment movement, the report said.

Authorities violently quelled the protests and imposed an internet and communications blackout, which rights groups say has made it difficult to determine the full magnitude of the crackdown and the death toll. The Times recounted individual cases from interviews with family members outside Iran and reports by human rights groups.

In one case, Ensieh Raoufi said her cousin, Sorena Golgoon, 18, was killed in early January in Tonekabon; the Norway-based Hengaw Organization reported he was “killed by direct fire from Iranian government forces” and said the family faced pressure to falsely claim he was killed by protesters.

Another victim, 23-year-old fashion student Robina Aminian, was identified by her aunt, Hali Nouri, who said Ms. Aminian was shot in the head. Iran Human Rights published a report saying a shooting occurred on the night of Jan. 8 near the Shariati Technical and Vocational College for Girls.

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