A mother in northern Iraq is speaking out after her 16-year-old daughter was shot and killed by Iranian security forces during protests in January. Sameera, who asked that her last name be withheld for fear of retribution against family still in Iran, described the moment her daughter, Sevda, was struck in the heart while participating in demonstrations against the Islamic Republic in Karaj.
The protests in Karaj, and across Iran, erupted amid widespread discontent over the country’s economic situation and political restrictions. While the immediate trigger for the January demonstrations remains disputed, they followed a pattern of unrest that has gripped Iran since late 2022, initially sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini while in the custody of morality police. Amini’s death ignited the “Women, Life, Freedom” movement, which quickly broadened into a nationwide challenge to the authority of the ruling clerical establishment.
“January 19th was a truly terrible day, when the Islamic Republic government issued orders to shoot protesters in the face,” Sameera recalled in an interview. “Still, so many people took to the streets.” Knowing the dangers, Sameera and Sevda made a conscious decision to participate, leaving their mobile phones at home to avoid potential tracking and arrest.
According to Sameera, Sevda was fearless. “She was incredibly brave. She spoke with complete courage until her last breath. She fought. She chanted. She yelled. She went right to the front of the crowd, confronting men who had guns in their hands.” Moments later, gunfire rang out. “They shot her in the heart. The bullet hit her, and she died instantly.”
Video footage circulating online, purportedly showing Iranian security forces firing upon protesters during similar demonstrations, has been widely shared on social media. A reel posted on Instagram depicts what appear to be security personnel opening fire on a crowd, though independent verification of the specific location and date remains difficult.
Sevda’s death is part of a broader pattern of violence against protesters in Iran. Human rights organizations have documented numerous instances of security forces using lethal force against demonstrators, resulting in hundreds of deaths and thousands of arrests. Amnesty International has reported that Iranian authorities have engaged in a systematic crackdown on dissent, including arbitrary detentions, torture, and unfair trials.
Sameera described her daughter as a committed activist who had been involved in protest movements since the age of 13, participating in demonstrations following Mahsa Amini’s death. “There were many times when she urged me to go to the streets. She begged me to arrive with her. She insisted. She said we had to demonstrate on behalf of those who had lost their lives.” Sevda had even discussed the possibility of being killed during protests, telling her mother, “If anything happens to me, remember me on the day of freedom.”
Weeks after Sevda’s death, Sameera fled Iran and sought refuge in northern Iraq. There, she encountered a community of Iranian exiles and, unexpectedly, found faith. “I wasn’t a very religious Muslim growing up. I didn’t really accept Shia Islam. However, I was always curious about Jesus Christ,” she said. She was baptized in a small house church, describing the experience as transformative. “Since finding Christ, many good things have come into my life. I feel a special peace, and I have entrusted my life and my destiny to Him.”
Despite her grief and newfound faith, Sameera remains resolute in her opposition to the Iranian regime. “The Islamic Republic is a cancer, it really is a cancer, and someone has to destroy it. Has to kill it. If that doesn’t happen, I will be deeply saddened. Accept anything less, because we have lost so many young people, and they are still being executed today.” She expressed gratitude for the support of former U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, stating she continues to pray for them.
Sameera vowed to continue speaking out until Iran is free and her daughter’s sacrifice is not forgotten. Her call for regime change echoes the demands of many Iranian dissidents who believe that fundamental change is the only path to a more just and equitable future for the country.
