Two additional Christian converts have been confirmed among those killed by the Islamic Republic’s security forces during last month’s nationwide protests, bringing the number of known Christian victims to at least 19.
Nader Mohammadi, 35, and Zahra Arjomandi, 51, were both shot dead on 8 January during demonstrations held nearly 1,000 miles apart.
Victims Identified
- Nader Mohammadi, a father of three from Isfahan, was killed in Babol in northern Iran after traveling there for work.
His family searched detention centers and morgues for three days before identifying his body on 11 January. His injuries were reportedly severe, and he was identified only through known marks. In his final message to relatives, he said he had joined the protests “on the orders of Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi,” who had called for nationwide demonstrations on 8 and 9 January. - Zahra Arjomandi, a mother of two from the Persian Gulf island of Qeshm, was separated from her son during a communications blackout and later found critically injured. She died in her son’s arms after being taken to hospital.
Mohabat News reported that Zahra’s body was held by Iranian security forces for six days before being released for burial under strict conditions, including a ban on holding a memorial service or sharing information about her death.
Rising Toll on Christian Community
At least 19 Christians—including members of Iran’s recognized Armenian and Assyrian communities, as well as unrecognized converts—have now been confirmed among those killed during the government’s violent response to the protests, in which millions participated.