Ghazal Damarcheli

Their life

Ghazal Damarcheli was a 17-year-old art student from Karaj, west of Tehran. She was described as a young creative individual with aspirations in the arts. On January 9, 2026, she was shot outside her family home during the protest unrest. After her death, authorities reportedly restricted her family’s burial arrangements, forcing them to inter her remains in a remote cemetery.

Ghazal lived in Karaj with her family and was pursuing her education in the arts. As protests spread across Iran in early January 2026, unrest reached her neighborhood. On the evening of January 9, she was outside her family home when security forces opened fire during efforts to disperse demonstrators. She was struck by gunfire and died from her injuries. Following her death, her family reportedly faced pressure from authorities, including restrictions on where she could be buried. Her burial took place away from her local community.

How they died

Ghazal Damarcheli was killed during nationwide anti-government protests in January 2026. She was shot amid a crackdown by Iranian security forces on demonstrators

Ghazal was struck by a bullet during the use of live fire against protesters. The injury was severe and resulted in fatal trauma. The shooting occurred in a civilian area during crowd suppression operations.

Why we remember them

This record exists so that Ghazal Damarcheli, and all who are named in this archive, are never reduced to a number.

References & sources