Iran authorities demanding large sums for return of protesters' bodies, BBC told

BBC News - WorldCenterEN 3 min read 100% complete January 15, 2026 at 09:19 PM

AI Summary

medium article 3 min

Iranian authorities are reportedly demanding large sums of money from families to release the bodies of protesters killed during recent demonstrations. According to the BBC, families are being told to pay thousands of dollars to retrieve their loved ones' remains from mortuaries and hospitals across the country. In one instance, a family in Rasht was asked for $5,000, while another in Tehran was asked for $7,000, sums many cannot afford. Hospital staff have sometimes warned families to collect bodies quickly to avoid extortion by security forces. Additionally, officials at a Tehran mortuary are allegedly offering free release if families falsely claim their deceased relative was a member of the Basij paramilitary force killed by protesters, requiring participation in pro-government rallies.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Behesht-e Zahra 40% Poursina Hospital 40% Rasht 50% Basij 50% Tehran ×360% BBC Persian ×570% BBC ×780% Iran ×490%

Keywords

iran protests 100% bodies 90% families 80% extortion 70% security forces 70% payment for release 60% mortuaries 60% bbc persian 50% pro-government rally 40% basij paramilitary force 40%