New Evidence Suggests Iran’s Security Forces Involved in Teen Protester’s Death
An Iranian teenager, Nika Shakarami, who was just 16 years old, is reported to have been sexually assaulted and killed by members of the country’s security forces, according to a leaked document attributed to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The incident stems from her disappearance during anti-regime protests in 2022, sparking widespread outrage and drawing attention to the Iranian government’s alleged cover-up.
The findings were presented in a “Highly Confidential” report that details a hearing held by the IRGC regarding Shakarami’s case. Information contained within the document reveals potentially shocking abuse she faced in the custody of security personnel. The report claims that three known operatives from the IRGC’s Team 12 were involved, and it provides the names of these individuals as well as senior commanders who may have played a role in suppressing the true circumstances surrounding her death.
Context of the Protests
Nika’s death and subsequent accusations against security forces occurred against the backdrop of the Woman, Life, Freedom movement, which gained momentum following the death of Mahsa Amini, a woman who died in police custody after being detained for improper hijab usage. As protests erupted across Iran, Nika’s image became emblematic of the struggle for women’s rights within the country.
After she vanished on September 20, 2022, her family located her remains nine days later in a mortuary. The authorities dismissed any connection to the protests, claiming Nika’s death resulted from suicide. However, the report contradicts these claims, describing a scenario in which Nika was arrested during a demonstration, handcuffed, and faced brutal treatment from the officers.
Details from the Leaked Document
The document recounts the events leading to Nika’s death, highlighting several harrowing details:
- Detention: As she protested, Nika was seen on camera burning hijabs. Security forces, monitoring the protests, identified her as a leader and attempted to apprehend her.
- Aggression: After evading capture temporarily, she was arrested and placed in an unmarked security vehicle, where members of Team 12 subjected her to physical and sexual assault.
- Failure to Save: A senior officer indicated that her condition became critical, yet he opted to dispose of her body rather than seek medical assistance.
| Team Member | Role | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Arash Kalhor | Operative | Alleged Assailant |
| Sadegh Monjazy | Operative | Alleged Assailant |
| Behrooz Sadeghy | Operative | Alleged Assailant |
| Morteza Jalil | Team Leader | Reprimanded |
Aftermath and Response
The IRGC has not offered any official comments regarding the allegations detailed in the leaked report. The government had previously portrayed Nika’s death as a tragic incident unrelated to the protests, using misleading narratives to paint her as having committed suicide.
The investigation reveals that the violence and systemic abuse women face in Iran continue, raising significant questions about accountability. As many as 551 individuals were reportedly killed by security forces during the protests, and recent efforts to suppress dissent further illustrate ongoing repression. Notably, Nika’s sister, Aida, has since been arrested, indicating that the government’s crackdown on women’s rights activists persists.
As the international community seeks justice for victims like Nika, the authenticity and implications of this document underscore the complexities surrounding human rights in Iran.
