Protests in Iran Claim Lives of Young Activists and Innocents

Tue Jan 13 2026 15:39:02 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

The protests against the Iranian government have resulted in the tragic deaths of many, including a beloved youth soccer coach and a passionate student, highlighting the urgent need for social change and free expression.

In the aftermath of widespread protests in Iran, the tragic deaths of Amir Mohammad Koohkan, a referee and futsal coach, and Rubina Aminian, a young student, have drawn international attention. Koohkan, 26, and Aminian, 23, are among hundreds reportedly killed during the demonstrations, which have erupted in response to economic struggles and calls for regime change. The protests, which began late December and spanned across 186 cities, have claimed nearly 500 lives, as reported by human rights agencies amidst a brutal government crackdown.

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 Tehran and have spread to 186 cities and all 31 provinces, according to the Human Rights Activist News Agency (HRANA).

Medical staff in Iran have described hospitals overwhelmed with dead and injured patients.

Aminian, a Kurdish student, was shot during protests while his family alleges Iranian authorities initially refused to hand over her body to the family and prevented burial in their hometown.

Among the protest victims was Koohkan, killed while he dared to stand against oppression.

Iran's government has clamped down on demonstrations, with hundreds of arrests and reports of extreme violence against protesters. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has denounced the protesters as troublemakers.