BBC Persian has released an investigative report presenting chilling evidence of the sexual assault and murder of 16-year-old Nika Shakarami during the nationwide protests of Woman, Life, Freedom in 2022. These documents, containing reports and statements from individuals involved in this horrific crime, depict a terrifying narrative of violence and brutality against this teenage protester.
According to the Campaign for Defense of Political and Civil Prisoners, as per this report, Nika was transferred to a refrigerated van without logos after being detained by security forces. In this van, she was sexually assaulted by three security personnel and subsequently lost her life due to severe injuries. Three batons and three shocks were used in this ruthless attack against the defenseless teenager.
Nika’s disappearance on Tuesday night, September 20th, 2022, coincided with the nationwide protests. After relentless searching, her lifeless body was eventually discovered by her family in the Kahrizak morgue. Initially, the authorities of the Islamic Republic attempted to cover up Nika’s death, claiming she had died from drug poisoning.
However, with the release of images and videos showing Nika chanting slogans during the protests, these claims were completely refuted.
Now, with the release of these chilling documents, new dimensions of this heinous crime have come to light. The sexual assault and murder of Nika Shakarami have not only left her family grieving but have also become a symbol of unchecked violence and the siege of security forces against protesters, especially women and children.
This report, once again, highlights the urgent need for independent and impartial investigations into this crime and other similar atrocities. The perpetrators of this crime must be brought to justice, and justice must be served for Nika Shakarami and her family.
Author: Shahram Eliasi