ARC Condemns Attacks on Artists by Iranian Forces

Reports indicate at least four artists killed, targeted by Iranian police and militias

Update, 20 January 2026: This statement has been updated to include newly identified artists killed during the January protests in Iran, including singer Babak Jamali (Rasa music group) in Arak and nature photographer Ghazal Aghaei Lindi in Tehran. Update, 22 January 2026: ARC confirmed that Sahba Reshtian, a visual artist, was killed during the protests. Update, 23 January 2026: ARC confirmed that the following artists were killed or detained: Shokoufeh Abdi, a photographer, was killed during the protests in Arak; Sanam Pour Babayi, a violinist and music teacher, was killed during the protests in Lahijan; Davoud Abbassi, a filmmaker, was violently arrested during the protests in Karaj and remains in detention in Qezel Hesar; Ahmad Abbasi, an actor and graphic designer, was killed during the protests in Tehran; Amir Ali Zarei, a musician and student, was killed during the protests in Tehran; Shabnam Ferdowsi, a doll-maker, was killed during the protests in Tehran; Zohreh Shomali Zadeh, a script supervisor for theatre and film, was killed during the protests; Negin Khaksar, a pianist and piano teacher, was arrested during the protests in Tehran. To date, her whereabouts are unknown. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

13 January 2026

(NEW YORK) — ARC – Artists at Risk Connection strongly condemns the reported killings of artists by police and militias in Iran, amid nationwide popular protests that began on 28 December 2025. Despite severe restrictions on information, including a government-imposed internet and mobile phone blackout, credible human rights organizations and international media report that thousands of civilians are confirmed to have been killed, including:

• renowned sculptor Mehdi Salahshour, who was shot and killed by Iranian government forces during protests in Mashhad on 8 January;
• filmmaker Javad Ganji, who was shot and killed by government forces in the Sadeghiyeh area of Tehran on 9 January;
• fashion designer and student Rubina Aminian, who was shot in the head at close range from behind after leaving college to join fellow students at a protest on 8 January;
• hip-hop artist Soroush Soleimani, who was shot and killed by government forces in a protest on 3 January in his hometown of Hafshejan;
• singer Babak Jamali (Rasa music group), who was shot and killed by government forces at a protest in Arak on 9 January;
• nature photographer Ghazal Aghaei Lindi, who was killed on 9 January by government forces at a protest in Tehran;
• visual artist Sahba Rashtian, who was killed on 10 January by government forces at a protest in Isfahan.

“Iranian government forces have carried out widespread extrajudicial killings as a means of suppressing popular protests in the last two weeks, as Iranians protest across the country,” said Julie Trébault, ARC’s Executive Director. “With information being suppressed, it is difficult to assess how extensive the repression has been, but with the reports of these attacks on artists, it is clear that anyone can be targeted by the police and militia. ARC mourns the killing of these Iranian artists, and calls on the authorities to stop its assault on and detention of protesters, and on the international community to take urgent action to stop escalating violations of human rights and humanitarian norms.”

Mr. Salahshour was a renowned sculptor who had received international awards for his art, as well as a teacher and the founder of a specialized stone sculpture workshop. Mr. Ganji was a well-known film and television producer and director, while Ms. Aminian used traditional Kurdish patterns and designs in the clothing she created.

On 8 January, renowned Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi posted on his Instagram account a statement signed by 184 Iranian cinematographers condemning the government’s suppression of the protests and the killing of protesters, and reiterated their defense of artistic freedom and freedom of expression. Credible human rights organizations and international media have verified the killing of more than 2000 civilians, including children, with thousands injured and at least ten thousand arrested. With verification efforts severely constrained, reports indicate the true number of deaths may be significantly higher.

About ARC

ARC – Artists at Risk Connection is an international organization committed to promoting and advancing the right to artistic freedom worldwide. Founded in 2017, ARC works to protect artists and cultural workers who are at risk because of their creative expression, often connected to their identities or roles within their communities. By providing vital resources and support, ARC helps artists at risk overcome challenges like persecution, censorship, threats, and violence from both state and non-state actors—whether for their artistic expression or the broader impact they have on cultural, social, and political issues.

For press inquiries, please contact:

Adam Shapiro
Deputy Director of Programs
ARC – Artists at Risk Connection 
+1 202.294.8813