An Iranian teenager, Nika Shakarami, was sexually assaulted and killed by three men working for Iran’s security forces, according to a leaked document obtained by BBC Eye Investigations. Nika, who disappeared during protests against Iran’s strict dress code for women, was just 16 years old when she vanished in 2022. Her body was found nine days later, with the government claiming she had taken her own life.
The leaked report, marked “Highly Confidential,” details a hearing held by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on Nika’s case. It includes the names of her killers and senior commanders who allegedly tried to cover up the truth. The report describes disturbing events in the back of an undercover van, where security forces restrained Nika and subjected her to molestation, beatings, and ultimately her death.
Despite the government’s claims that Nika’s death was a suicide, the leaked document contradicts this narrative, providing evidence of a brutal assault that led to her demise. The report sheds light on the harrowing ordeal Nika endured at the hands of security forces during the protest.
The investigation by BBC Eye not only uncovered the details of Nika’s tragic fate but also delved into the authenticity of the leaked document, confirming its veracity through extensive verification processes. The report exposes the brutality and impunity with which security forces in Iran operate, highlighting the need for accountability and justice for Nika and other victims of state violence.