What happened to Nika Shahkarami and Sarina Esmailzadeh?

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Nika Shahkarami and Sarina Esmailzadeh Died Amidst Protests, Families Allege State Involvement

Sixteen-year-old Nika Shahkarami died after going missing on September 20, with her mother asserting that the state was responsible for her death following her participation in an anti-hijab protest in Tehran. Similarly, concerns have been raised regarding the death of 16-year-old Sarina Esmailzadeh, with her family reportedly facing government pressure to adhere to a narrative of suicide.
Nika Shahkarami's Death and Maternal Testimony

Nika Shahkarami's mother, Nasrin Shahkarami, stated that she personally viewed her daughter's body and observed severe trauma to the back of her head, consistent with a forceful blow that caused her skull to cave in. This testimony contradicts official accounts and suggests foul play by state actors after Nika joined an anti-hijab demonstration. Nasrin Shahkarami also accused authorities of threatening her into making a coerced confession regarding her daughter's demise.
Sarina Esmailzadeh's Death and Allegations of Coercion

Iran's judiciary has denied reports that security forces were responsible for the death of Sarina Esmailzadeh during a rally in Karaj, west of Tehran. Official statements claim an investigation revealed that Esmailzadeh committed suicide by jumping from a building. However, the Oslo-based group Iran Human Rights has reported that Esmailzadeh's family was subjected to significant pressure from government agents to propagate this suicide narrative.
Visible Injuries Contradict Official Accounts

When Sarina Esmailzadeh's family was permitted to identify her body, multiple injuries were apparent on her face. Notably, the right side of her forehead was described as being completely crushed, indicating the severity of blows sustained. These visible injuries directly challenge the official explanation of suicide and lend credence to the accounts of state-sanctioned violence.

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What happened to Nika Shahkarami and Sarina Esmailzadeh?

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