Futsal coach Amir Mohammad Kouhkan killed by Iranian forces in Niriz

Hengaw - Sunday, January 4, 2026

Amir Mohammad Kouhkan, a 26-year-old futsal coach and referee, was killed after being shot by Iranian government forces during protests in Niriz, in Fars. Following the shooting, his body was taken away by authorities.

According to information received by Hengaw Organization for Human Rights, Kouhkan was shot dead on Saturday, January 3, 2026, when government forces opened direct fire on protesters in the city.

Sources told Hengaw that Kouhkan was hit by multiple bullets and died at the scene. His body was then taken by Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps forces. His family’s repeated attempts to recover his body for burial have been unsuccessful.

Kouhkan had worked as a futsal coach in Niriz and Shiraz and, over the past two years, had also been active as a futsal referee after completing specialized officiating courses.

Shortly before his killing, he posted a message on social media stating: “I don’t know. I just want to get out, and there are thoughts in my head.”

With this case, and based on data from the Statistics and Documentation Center of Hengaw Organization for Human Rights, Hengaw has verified the identities of 18 people killed during the recent protests. At least six additional cases are currently under review by Hengaw’s verification team and will be reported publicly if confirmed.