Arnika Dabbagh

Arnika Dabbagh, a 15-year-old girl, was seriously injured after being shot directly by government forces during peaceful protests in the city of Gorgan. Due to the complete shutdown of communications in Iran, it was impossible to contact emergency services or dispatch an ambulance. She died from the severity of her injuries. Reports indicate that the use of firearms and live ammunition by security forces, along with direct shooting at protesters with the intent to kill, has led to a deeply alarming rise in the number of people killed during Iran’s recent nationwide protests. Such actions constitute clear examples of crimes against humanity under Article 7 of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court. Arnika Dabbagh was killed on January 9. It was not a battlefield, and she carried no weapon. She had only dreams, talent, and a future that was taken by a bullet.