Amnesty details unlawful killings of Kurdish protesters during 2022 Iran uprising

What happened

Amnesty International reports that during the 2022 Woman, Life, Freedom uprising, Iranian security forces shot civilians at close range, pursued fleeing protesters, and prevented wounded individuals from receiving medical assistance in Kurdish cities, based on an extensive investigation into the crackdown. This investigation documented the unlawful killing of 95 Kurdish protesters and bystanders, including 13 children, across 17 counties in Kurdistan, Kermanshah, and West Azerbaijan provinces.

Outside Brief is treating this as a source-led account. Any disputed responsibility, casualty figure, battlefield claim or single-source assertion should be treated as unconfirmed/hearsay unless confirmed by another reliable source or a named official. The findings describe repeated patterns of lethal force intended to disperse protests, punish demonstrators, and deter further gatherings. Among those killed was Yahya Rahimi, who was shot fatally while in his car after allegedly sounding his horn in solidarity with protesters. Amnesty verified multiple videos and his burial certificate confirming extensive brain injuries caused by a projectile fired at close range.

The report also highlights cases where security forces obstructed aid to wounded protesters. For example, Shahou Bahmani was shot in Sanandaj and left bleeding under fire for 30 to 40 minutes before help could reach him. Eyewitnesses say agents fired on people trying to assist him. Such incidents illustrate highly aggressive tactics employed by forces, including the use of military-grade weapons such as assault rifles and heavy machine guns mounted on vehicles.

Known from the source

• Amnesty International conducted an investigation into the 2022 Woman, Life, Freedom uprising in Iranian Kurdish areas.
• The investigation documented 95 unlawful killings of Kurdish protesters and bystanders, including 13 children, across 17 counties in Kurdistan, Kermanshah, and West Azerbaijan.
• Iranian security forces reportedly used military-grade weapons and shot protesters at close range.
• Specific cases cited include Yahya Rahimi and Shahou Bahmani, with video evidence and death certificates reviewed by Amnesty.
• Amnesty found security forces blocked medical aid to wounded protesters.

What remains unclear

Amnesty recorded 35 killings in Kurdistan province, 19 in Kermanshah, and 41 in West Azerbaijan. The organization concludes that the disproportionate toll among Kurdish and Baluchi victims – who account for about 62% of the 326 total protest-related deaths it recorded nationwide – suggests discriminatory intent amounting to persecution, a crime against humanity. The uprising itself followed the death in custody of Zhina Mahsa Amini, a Kurdish woman whose arrest sparked nationwide demonstrations.

What remains unclear: Confirm whether the central claim is corroborated; until then treat it as unconfirmed/hearsay. Confirm casualty numbers from additional sources beyond Amnesty International to establish independent verification. Verify specific incident details such as the circumstances around shootings and obstruction of aid with sources other than Amnesty where possible. Check the political context and any recent official statements from Iranian authorities responding to Amnesty’s findings or related protests.

Evidence note

Outside Brief has kept this brief source-led and attributed. Claims should be read alongside the original source linked below.

Original source: Iran International. Open the source.