Tragic Losses in Iran: Hundreds Killed Amidst Protests

Tue Jan 13 2026 15:27:45 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In a wave of protests across Iran, a referee and a student are among those killed as calls grow for government change and accountability.

Massive protests in Iran have led to the deaths of hundreds, including beloved referee Amir Mohammad Koohkan and 23-year-old student Rubina Aminian. The demonstrations, which began over economic issues, have grown into widespread calls for an end to the Islamic Republic. Reports indicate nearly 500 protesters have been killed in the last two weeks, raising concerns of an even higher death toll. The Iranian government’s crackdown has resulted in a significant number of arrests and a media blackout, complicating the flow of information.

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 January 3 during protests in the town of Neyriz, according to a friend who spoke with BBC Persian.

The friend described Koohkan as someone known for his kindness, and expressed anger and grief over the loss, stating, he was killed by the regime.

Five days later, student Rubina Aminian, 23, was shot from behind during a protest in Tehran. Her uncle shared that she fought for things she knew were right.

Reports indicate that nearly 500 protesters and 48 security personnel have died in the two weeks of unrest, according to a U.S.-based rights group.

Eyewitness accounts suggest the death toll may be higher as demonstrations have spread to 186 cities and all 31 provinces, fueled by economic frustrations and calls for an end to the current regime and Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's rule.

Iran has responded with a crackdown that includes more than 10,600 arrests and significant violence against protesters.

Notably, many medical facilities have been overwhelmed with casualties, with reports of hospitals inundated with dead and injured individuals. The Iranian government has reportedly imposed an internet shutdown, further isolating the situation and hindering accurate reporting of events.

Among the casualties was Aminian, who was studying textile and fashion in Tehran. Her family faced difficulties in retrieving her body and were allegedly pressured not to hold mourning ceremonies.

The current protests mark the largest civil unrest in years, echoing the sentiments from previous uprisings, notably following the death of Mahsa Amini in 2022, who died in police custody.