The Unbearable Toll of Protest: A Grief-Stricken Journey in Iran

Thu Jan 15 2026 15:46:34 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

As protests erupt across Iran, heartbreaking stories emerge of families torn apart by violence. One grieving husband carried his wife's body for hours after she was shot during a demonstration, highlighting the devastating consequences of this unrest.

In the wake of protests sweeping through Iran, many families are mourning their loved ones lost to violence. Reza, a husband who lost his wife Maryam during a demonstration, recounted the harrowing experience of carrying her body for an hour and a half. The wave of protests has resulted in the deaths of at least 2,400 people, including many young individuals. Amidst an oppressive crackdown by security forces, the call for change continues to resonate throughout the nation, as the toll of violence escalates sharply.

Warning: This article contains graphic descriptions of death and injury.

In Tehran, after participating in protests on January 8, Reza put his arms around his wife Maryam to shield her, only to feel her jacket slip from his grasp. Maryam had been struck fatally, a casualty of the escalating violence aimed at protesters. Reza carried her body for an hour and a half, collapsing in exhaustion before being assisted by local residents who offered support and dignity for the deceased.

Days prior, Maryam warned her children that those who join protests sometimes don’t return home, articulating a sense of duty towards the cause despite the risks involved.

Maryam is amongst the thousands impacted by a wave of violence that has resulted in more than 2,400 confirmed deaths during recent protests. This follows a crisis sparked by economic downturns and discontent with governmental authority.

Iranian security forces have launched a brutal crackdown, with reports suggesting widespread killings, especially aimed at youth, as citizens rally against their government. Many protests have been forced underground due to harsh repressions, which include near-complete internet blackouts, complicating attempts to uncover the full scale of the tragedy.

Accounts from within the country paint a dire picture. Witnesses describe neighborhoods filled with the scent of blood and are driven by an urgent need to communicate the truth of what’s happening. The despair and anger fueling these protests echo powerfully, uniting citizens despite the overwhelming odds.

The continuing violence has left many families mourning those who were full of potential and dreams, like Sorena Golgun and Robina Aminian, both young and hopeful individuals whose futures were abruptly cut short.

As fear grips the populace, many are fleeing the country while others resolve to remain, bracing for what could unfold next amidst ongoing unrest. Concerns mount about potential retaliations from authorities against those who defy them.

This ongoing situation showcases the deep divisions within Iranian society, fought against a backdrop of fear, sacrifice, and an unwavering desire for change.