Iran Charges Activists and Journalists Following BBC Report on Teen's Death

Iranian prosecutors have launched criminal charges against activists and journalists in response to a BBC report that revealed security forces sexually assaulted and killed a 16-year-old girl during the 2022 protests. 

Nika Shakarami's disappearance and the circumstances of her reported death fueled public outrage. 

Shakarami vanished after joining protests over the death of Mahsa Amini, who died in police custody following her arrest for allegedly wearing her hijab "improperly."

The UN has condemned the Iranian government for the "physical violence" that led to Amini's death.

Iran's Mizan news agency, operated by the country's judiciary, stated on Wednesday that the BBC story was "a fake, incorrect, and full-of-mistakes report," without addressing any of the alleged errors it contained.

This statement marked the government's first acknowledgement of the BBC report, noting that "journalists and activists" have been summoned over the issue.

"The Tehran Prosecutor's Office has filed a criminal case against these individuals," Mizan reported, with charges including "spreading lies" and "propaganda against the system."