2026 Rasht massacre
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| 2026 Rasht massacre | |
|---|---|
| Part of 2025–2026 Iranian protests, 2026 Iran massacres | |
| Location | Rasht, Iran |
| Date | 8 January 2026 – 9 January 2026 |
Attack type | Massacre, mass shooting, Arson |
| Deaths | 392–3,000+ |
| Perpetrator | Security forces of the Islamic Republic |
The Rasht massacre took place on 8 and 9 January 2026 in the historic bazaar of Rasht, Iran, carried out by the forces of the Islamic Republic with the aim of suppressing the anti-government protests which began in December 2025.[1]
The protests of December 2025 in Iran began on 7 December 2025, following widespread dissatisfaction with the Islamic Republic's government and the intensification of the economic crisis in Iran. Initially, these protests were sparked by discontent over inflation, rising food prices, and the sharp devaluation of the Iranian rial, but they quickly transformed into a widespread movement calling for the end of the current regime.[2]
These protests, which initially began with the participation of traders and market vendors in Tehran, soon spread to universities and involved large numbers of students from across the country. Protesters expressed their dissatisfaction with the government through anti-government slogans, as well as slogans supporting the monarchy, clearly voicing their political demands for broader reforms.[3][4] This movement quickly became the largest wave of unrest in Iran since the 2022–2023 protests following the killing of Mahsa Amini.[5][6][7]
The protests, which initially centred around traders in the Grand Bazaar of Tehran, quickly spread to major cities such as Isfahan, Shiraz, Mashhad, Qom, Bandar Abbas, Ferdows, and Bojnord.[8][5] In response to these developments, the Islamic Republic used violent repression tactics.[8]
A News Reporter in the IRIB Baran Channel (Guilan's Official TV Station) later reported that "We are currently in what seems like a war scene. As you can see, Fire can be seen from the background as if a place was bombed."
Evidence
Analyses of the massacre included that of The Washington Post, which based its analysis on 40 photos and videos and statements by six witnesses and residents.[9]