Let the World Know What Happened in Iran

Field testimonies and visual evidence indicate that security forces of the ruling regime in Iran set fire to Rasht’s crowded bazaar, trapped civilians inside, and opened live fire on unarmed individuals during the nationwide protests.

On January 8 and 9, 2026, amid the escalation of nationwide protests across Iran, the historic bazaar of Rasht became the site of a deadly and coordinated operation carried out by security and law enforcement forces of the ruling regime in Iran.

According to multiple eyewitnesses, videos, and images, security forces deliberately set fire to sections of the crowded bazaar, trapping protesters and civilians in smoke-filled enclosed spaces, and subsequently opened live fire on those attempting to escape.

Reconstruction of Events

Witnesses report that large crowds moved toward Rasht’s city center and bazaar area. Security forces initially used tear gas to disperse protesters. As crowds persisted, heavily armed units intervened, blocking exits and igniting fires inside the bazaar.

As smoke and flames spread, civilians sheltering inside were forced to flee. At this stage, security forces fired live ammunition and shotgun pellets at individuals exiting the market. Several witnesses stated that those shot were unarmed.

Eyewitness Testimonies

Eyewitnesses described scenes in which people either suffocated in smoke and fire or were shot while trying to escape. Video recordings from the evening of January 8 capture continuous gunfire and reports of multiple casualties within minutes.

Others described being trapped in dead-end alleys as fire advanced, receiving no assistance despite calls for emergency services, and being shot from behind after leaving the area.

Visual Evidence

Images from Rasht show abandoned piles of shoes near the bazaar, reportedly belonging to civilians forced to flee or killed during the operation. Additional footage documents burned structures and charred shops, indicating a deliberate and violent assault on a civilian public space.

Human Rights Analysis

The deliberate use of fire in a civilian gathering place, the blocking of escape routes, and the firing of live ammunition at unarmed individuals constitute grave violations of international human rights law, including the right to life and the prohibition of cruel and inhuman treatment.

When carried out in a widespread or systematic manner, such acts may amount to crimes against humanity under international legal standards.

Conclusion and Human Rights Warning

What occurred in Rasht’s historic bazaar was not an isolated incident or an uncontrolled clash. The available evidence indicates a deliberate operation in which civilians were directly targeted.

Documenting these events is a critical test of the international community’s commitment to human rights principles. Failure to respond risks normalizing lethal violence against civilians and undermines global human conscience and accountability.