Aunt, uncle of Nika Shakarami 'forced to back official story' on Iran teen's death

The aunt and uncle of a 16-year-old reportedly killed after attending the ongoing wave of protests in Iran were forced to say in a televised confession that her death had nothing to do with the Iranian security forces, BBC Persian reported Thursday.

Iranian state television aired taped confessions from Nika Shakarami's aunt and uncle in which they confirm the official position that the teenager took her own life.

In footage of the uncle, the reflection of a man can be seen in the background, and a whisper heard ordering him to talk.

In another video, her visibly distressed aunt can be seen confirming that someone dressed in different clothes to those seen on official photos of Shakarami at the time of her death is the teenager, Iran International said.

A source close to the family told BBC Persian that these were both "forced confessions" that came "after intense interrogations and being threatened that other family members would be killed".

Shakarami's aunt and uncle were arrested a few days ago after publicising her suspicious death on social media.

Her body was found ten days after she left home to attend the latest wave of anti-government protests sparked by the fatal beating of Mahsa Amini in police custody.

Shakarami has become an icon of the protests since news of her fate became public. Iranian activists and social media users have shared images and videos of the charismatic teenage activist, lauding her bravery in taking part in the protests.

Protesters have been met with a fierce crackdown from security forces, with at least 133 people killed, according to Iran Human Rights, a Norway-based group.

Iranian prosecutors opened an investigation into Shakarami's death on Tuesday.