Iran January Protests: Survivors Describe Security Forces Shooting to Kill

Survivors of Iran's January 2026 protests have described being shot at by security forces with intent to kill, according to interviews conducted by Deutsche Welle. The protests, which began in December 2025 from widespread economic hardship, grew into the largest anti-regime movement in Iran's modern history before being violently suppressed. Iranian authorities officially acknowledge over 3,100 deaths; human rights organisation HRANA puts the toll at more than 7,000. Amnesty International believes the true figure may be even higher, partly due to internet shutdowns imposed during the crackdown and government pressure on the families of victims to remain silent. The stories of protest victims have largely been overshadowed by the US-Israel military campaign against Iran that began on February 28, 2026. Survivors interviewed by DW describe units from the Basij militia, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and intelligence services using firearms and clubs against crowds. Some survivors described being shot at point-blank range. Trump had promised protesters that help was on the way, but that help never arrived before the war began.