Iran Security Forces Return Body Of 16-Year-Old Protester With Suspicious Injuries

Iran security forces returned the body of a teenage girl to her family with suspicious injuries nine days after she went missing during a protest. 16-year-old Nika Shakarami took part in the protests that sparked followed after the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini.

On September 20, Shakarami went missing after she took part in the protests on Keshavarz Boulevard in Tehran. 9 days later, her family was informed at the police station that somebody with similar characteristics was discovered in Kahrizak forensics.

Nika Shakarami: Teenager Killed In Iran Protests

Reportedly, Iran authorities informed Nika Shakarami's family that she had fallen from a height, however, her uncle stated that the photos shown to them appeared unusual.

Shakarami’s family was not allowed to see her head when they went to identify the body. The teenager’s nose had been smashed and her skull broken from multiple hits by a heavy object, possibly a baton.

Shakarami’s family was threatened and told not to hold a memorial service for her.

Protests In Iran

Protests erupted in September after Mahsa Amini died in the custody of the morality police. She had been detained for allegedly wearing her hijab too loosely. Iranian women began cutting their hair and burning hijabs in protest.

Iran authorities have restricted social media usage and banned platforms such as Instagram, WhatsApp, and Skype. Authorities also attempted to suppress protests with the usage of live ammunition.

Since protests erupted in September, an estimated 15,000 protesters, including journalists and activists have been arrested and detained. According to the Iran Human Rights Organisation, at least 83 people have been killed in the violent crackdowns against protests. Amnesty International confirmed 52 deaths.

20-year-old Hadis Najafi had joined the protests and demonstrations against Iran’s hijab laws and was killed when she was hit by several protests. She was reportedly struck in the chest, neck, and face by the bullets fired by security officials.

Iranian journalist and activist Masih Alinejad quoted Najafi’s sister, “She was only 20 years old. Her heart was broken for Mahsa Amini. She said she would not stay silent. They killed her with six bullets.”

She was taken to Ghaem Hospital where she was pronounced dead.

Suggested Reading: Iran Security Forces Arrest Woman For Eating At Restaurant Without Hijab