Iran Protest Crackdown: Scientist, Mountaineer, Violinist Among Victims

• Details emerge of Iranians killed in the crackdown on anti-government protests, including a young woman who bled to death in her father's arms and a man shot trying to save a friend.
• Tight communication controls have hindered verification of events during protests that began in late December and intensified.
• Iranian authorities blame "rioters" and "terrorists" for deaths but provide no official toll; rights groups verify over 3,400 deaths, with some estimates reaching 20,000.
• Victims include Negin Ghadimi, a 28-year-old biotech graduate shot in Tonekabon; Reza Eskandarpour, a 37-year-old cabinet maker killed in Tehran; Sara Behboodi, a 45-year-old mountaineer shot in Rasht; and Sanam Pourbabayi, a violinist killed in Lahijan.
• Most victims are young men, but women and minors are also among the dead, according to Norway-based Iran Human Rights.

Why It Matters: The human cost of Iran's protest crackdown is revealed through stories of diverse victims.