Tehran Doctors Report Deliberate Blinding and Head Shots Against Protesters

Doctors in Iran’s capital told reporters on Wednesday, January 14, that hospitals have treated hundreds of protesters with gunshot injuries to the eyes and head—patterns they say indicate intent to maim and intimidate. Medical personnel described the use of birdshot and other projectiles at close range, leaving many with permanent vision loss and severe trauma. They also believe the death toll from the crackdown is significantly higher than publicly acknowledged.

These accounts, coming from inside Tehran, reinforce earlier reports of systematic use of force against demonstrators across multiple cities. Physicians said the sheer number and clustering of injuries at eye level cannot be accidental, and that patients often arrive with additional wounds consistent with crowd-control weapons deployed at short distances. Families are fearful about seeking care due to security presence in and around clinics and hospitals.

The grim testimonies have galvanized diaspora communities and renewed calls for targeted sanctions on officers and units implicated in abuses. Rights advocates urge coordination among democracies to support independent documentation, medical protection, and secure passage for vulnerable activists. (TOI/VFI News)

“Merciful Father, comfort the wounded, guard the courageous doctors and nurses, and bring an end to this cruelty. Protect innocent Iranians crying out for freedom, and restrain the hands of those who shed blood. Let righteousness and healing rise like the dawn over those living in fear.”