Table of Contents
An Iranian mother whose 16-year-old daughter was shot dead by security forces during anti-government demonstrations has fled the country and is now campaigning against the regime from exile, as detailed in a BBC Panorama report.
From Saleswoman to Activist
Samira, who previously sold cosmetics in Iran, stated that she never considered herself political until her only child, Sevda, was killed in front of her earlier this year, as reported by BBC News. The teenager had joined mass protests against Iran’s ruling authorities before the US and Israel launched widespread air strikes that killed the country’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
According to Samira, the authorities hindered her search for her daughter’s remains rather than assisting her. She made a dangerous trek on foot across mountainous terrain to escape Iran and now lives in hiding abroad, identifying as a one-woman army fighting the government to secure justice and accountability.
The Iranian embassy in London told BBC Panorama that peaceful demonstrations had been hijacked by foreign powers, including the US, which allegedly promoted violence, provided weapons, and compromised public security.
The Fatal Protests
The protests began in December following economic grievances before escalating into demands for an end to the Islamic Republic. Sevda, who drew inspiration from former protesters Mahsa Amini and Nika Shakarami, attended demonstrations with her mother on the outskirts of Tehran. On 8 January, crowds responded to a call for protests by Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of Iran’s last shah. Samira noted that security forces had lost control and that a shoot-to-kill order was announced the following day.
Protesters had been reassured by US President Donald Trump’s warning on 8 January that Washington would hit the Iranian authorities very hard if they killed demonstrators. On 9 January, Sevda handed her earrings to her grandmother and shared her phone passcode before standing on a dustbin to lead a chant. Samira stated that snipers opened fire from a rooftop, and a bullet struck Sevda in the heart.
Samira found her daughter’s body at a Tehran morgue after opening numerous body bags containing young victims. Iranian authorities acknowledge that over 3,000 people died during the unrest, while the human rights group Hrana estimates the death toll exceeds 7,000.
Harassment and Escape
Samira stated that authorities demanded she sign a statement claiming terrorists killed Sevda before releasing the body for burial. She was later summoned by the Ministry of Intelligence ahead of the 40-day memorial service and offered perks, a house, and official martyr status for Sevda if she recorded an interview blaming protesters.
Refusing the demand, Samira used human smugglers to cross rivers and mountains to safety. She has since been charged in absentia with offences including “moharebeh,” or waging war against God, which carries the death penalty.
Samira now uses the internet to publish the names of security officials she holds responsible for the killings. After one named man was found dead, a regime supporter offered a 5,000-dollar reward for information on Samira’s location, and state media reported the arrest of nine people over the death.
