Abbasali Ramezani

Their life

Abbasali Ramezani was a former political prisoner from the 1980s who continued to be politically active in his community. During the protests in Mashhad, he joined demonstrations to express dissent against state policies. At the age of 50 or older (exact age not confirmed), he was killed by gunfire from government forces while participating in the January protests, drawing attention to the continued targeting of politically engaged civilians in Iran.

Abbasali had previously been arrested multiple times for his political activism. In one documented case, the Mashhad Revolutionary Court sentenced him to three years and seven months in prison on charges including financial support for the families of political prisoners and propaganda against the state. Despite this history and being under electronic monitoring, Abbasali continued to participate in civic actions, reflecting a lifelong commitment to political engagement. His death during the January 2026 protests represents both his personal courage and the high risks faced by activists in Iran.

How they died

Abbasali Ramezani was killed while participating in anti-government protests in Mashhad, Iran, in January 2026.

During the January 2026 protests, Iranian security forces used live ammunition and heavy-handed tactics to disperse demonstrators. Abbasali Ramezani, despite his prior arrests and ankle monitoring, joined protests in Mashhad and was struck by gunfire, resulting in his death. His killing is part of a documented pattern of state violence against civilian protesters, including both younger demonstrators and older, politically active individuals. Human rights organizations cite these killings as part of a systematic crackdown intended to suppress dissent.

Why we remember them

This record exists so that Abbasali Ramezani, and all who are named in this archive, are never reduced to a number.

References & sources