A Young Rapper’s Dream Ends in Tragedy Amid Iranian Protests

Abolfazl Yaghmouri, a 17-year-old aspiring rapper, was killed during protests in Tehran on January 8, marking a heartbreaking loss for his family and community. As protests erupted across Iran, calling for significant change, the young artist’s dream of making an impact through music was tragically cut short.

Why It Matters

The death of Abolfazl reflects the severe consequences faced by those who dare to speak out against the Iranian regime. His story highlights the ongoing struggles for human rights and freedom of expression in a country where dissent is often met with violence. The events surrounding Abolfazl’s death exemplify the brutal repression faced by young activists and artists in Iran.

Key Developments

• Abolfazl Yaghmouri was shot during protests in his suburb of Tehran, following warnings from officials against demonstrators.
• His aunt, Gita Yaghmouri, revealed that he lay bleeding for 40 minutes before succumbing to his injuries, as security forces did not allow the crowd to assist him.
• After an extensive search, his family discovered his body among others at a morgue.
• Authorities pressured Abolfazl’s family to falsely declare him as a member of the regime’s forces to obtain his remains.
• The regime’s officials allegedly demanded compensation for the bullets used to kill protesters, referred to by some as a "bullet tax."

Full Report

A Voice for Change

In a makeshift studio tucked away in a closet, Abolfazl poured his heart into his music, drawing inspiration from the struggles of life in a working-class neighborhood on the outskirts of Tehran. His lyrics reflected a deep sense of disillusionment: "The problems don’t stop. I was there for everyone, but no one showed up for me."

When the protests ignited, calling for reform in a country rife with turmoil, Abolfazl chose to join the throngs of demonstrators seeking change. His participation proved to be a fatal decision.

A Mother’s Grief

Gita Yaghmouri described the horror experienced by the family after they were unable to locate Abolfazl following the protests. They searched hospitals and detention centers, desperate for news until they received the devastating confirmation of his death.

"They were picking up bodies in the street," Gita recalled, describing the moment her nephew’s brother discovered Abolfazl’s body in a morgue vehicle, shot in the heart with military-grade ammunition. Neighbors testified to witnessing security forces brutally assaulting him, as he struggled for life.

The Struggle for Closure

Following Abolfazl’s death, his family faced additional trauma as regime officials withheld his body, demanding they falsely acknowledge his supposed allegiance to the government. "They told (Abolfazl’s parents) that ‘we cannot release the body to you… Otherwise, we are not going to give the body to you,’" Gita recounted.

The ordeal continued as the family faced demands for payment, often referred to as a "bullet tax," to retrieve their son’s remains.

Context & Previous Events

The protests in Iran, sparked by widespread discontent with the ruling regime, have seen numerous casualties among participants. Demonstrators face violence from security forces, who use excessive force to quell dissent, resulting in numerous deaths and injuries. The case of Abolfazl Yaghmouri is one of many highlighting the harsh realties faced by those challenging the status quo in Iran.