The Hana Human Rights Organization reports that on the evening of Thursday, January 8, 2026, Tahir Malekshahi, a 12-year-old boy from Qorveh County, was severely injured by direct gunfire from security forces during local protests. The incident occurred around 20:00 in an alley opposite Razi Laboratory.
Eyewitnesses confirmed that Tahir was alone and not part of a crowd. He sought cover behind a vehicle but was pulled out, beaten, and shot at close range with pellet bullets while his hands were raised in surrender. Dozens of pellets struck his face and body in a deliberate, repeated attack.
Tahir initially underwent surgery in Qorveh but was later transferred to Noor Hospital in Tehran due to the severity of his injuries. Medical reports indicate he lost complete vision in his left eye, which was removed, and his right eye retains only approximately 30 percent vision.
Following the incident, the Qorveh IRGC commander issued threatening and insulting remarks to Tahir’s family. Three days later, the Intelligence Ministry contacted the family, attempting to suppress media coverage and create a fabricated narrative denying responsibility.
This case highlights the deliberate targeting of children and the severe, long-term consequences of security force violence during protests in Iran.
