My friends are all like me. We all know someone who was killed in the protests. This heartbreaking statement from Parisa, a 29-year-old from Tehran, encapsulates the crushing reality many Iranians face as security forces intensify their crackdown on demonstrations that erupted on December 28. She noted that this wave of protests, fueled by economic despair, has led to unprecedented violence. Parisa claims to know at least 13 individuals who have perished since the protests began, making this moment in Iran's history uniquely traumatic. Eyewitness accounts reveal scenes of chaotic violence, including reports of individuals being shot while participating in what were intended to be peaceful gatherings. Human Rights Organizations report that the death toll has exceeded 6,000, with many casualties among young protesters. The Iranian government continues to downplay the situation, claiming most casualties are security personnel. However, troubling practices like withholding bodies from families further veil the grim truth of the events unfolding in Iran, as citizens attempt to navigate the trauma exacerbated by a near-total internet outage.