In the wake of ongoing tensions in Iran, harrowing accounts are emerging from individuals caught in the violence of civil unrest. Hamid Kouhsari, 31, recently shared his chilling experiences from the protests that erupted in January 2026. His testimony highlights the brutality faced by demonstrators, revealing the dangers that many Iranians confront when standing up for their rights.
The Unthinkable Violence of the Protests
Kouhsari recounted witnessing an unprecedented level of violence employed by security forces during the protests in Gorgan, the capital of Golestan province. He described a scene of chaos on January 8, where demonstrators were met with live gunfire. “It was unbelievable,” he recalled, highlighting how authorities shot directly at the crowds. Previously, during the protests in November 2019 and in response to Mahsa Amini’s death in 2022, he had never encountered such open aggression.
The violence left lasting scars on Kouhsari’s psyche. He vividly remembered a couple attempting to protect their two-year-old child from the chaos, only for all three to be caught in gunfire. The traumatic image of the child, gravely injured, became a symbol of the innocence lost amidst the uprising. “I was just praying the child wasn’t dead,” he said, revealing the desperation and horror that overtook him as he cradled the wounded toddler.
Assisting the Injured and Facing Personal Danger
The night continued to unfold in terror as Kouhsari helped a woman begging for assistance. He carried her clumsily away from police fire, declaring that he would not abandon her, even if it cost him his life. Tragically, as he approached safety, bullets struck him in the leg. Despite his harm, fellow protesters rallied to his aid, applying makeshift bandages in an effort to stop the bleeding. However, he did not dare seek medical attention in a hospital out of fear of being arrested.
The grip of fear extended beyond the physical pain of his wounds. Kouhsari had previously experienced arrest following the November 2019 protests, which made him hesitant to seek necessary treatment for his gunshot injury. His concerns were compounded when he learned of the violent repercussions faced by others who had been identified as participants in recent protests.
The Aftermath and Continued Suppression
One particularly gut-wrenching moment recounted by Kouhsari involved the arrest of his relative, Mostafa Kouhsari, who was shot during the protests. After desperately searching for information, the family learned that Mostafa’s body had been taken by authorities, and they ultimately located it multiple days later at a morgue. Following his burial, government pressure continued, forcing the family to mourn privately rather than hold a public memorial—an act reflective of a regime that roots itself in fear and suppression.
For eight long months, Kouhsari chose to go into hiding, navigating between various locations to dodge authorities while dealing with an untreated leg wound that required surgery. His fears intensified after hearing about a friend being detained and tortured, which amplified his anxiety about being discovered. Uncertain of his safety, Kouhsari felt he had no choice but to flee Iran entirely.
A Heartfelt Departure
As Kouhsari packed his belongings and prepared to leave, he reflected on the emotional weight of his imminent departure. Saying goodbye to his family, particularly his mother, was profoundly painful. He also took a moment to bid farewell to his dog, whom he equated to family, illustrating the deep connection he felt to his past life. Nevertheless, on the night he left, he finally experienced a fleeting peace. For the first time in months, he could close his eyes and sleep, albeit under the heavy burden of uncertainty about his future and the fate of his loved ones.