Arash .
Shot and killed by security forces during unrest.
Arash was killed by a shotgun blast when Iranian security forces fired indiscriminately toward protesters and surrounding areas near Vanak Square in Tehran. Witnesses stated that live fire was used without distinction between demonstrators and civilians. Arash was hit while standing on the sidewalk and died instantly at the scene. He was not engaged in protest activities at the time of his death
Biography
Arash was a 22-year-old Iranian art student living in Tehran whose life was cut short during Iran’s nationwide anti-government protests in January 2026. He was not a protester and had not taken part in any demonstrations. On the night of his death, Arash was simply walking home through the streets of Tehran when security forces opened fire near a protest site. He was struck by a shotgun blast and died instantly, becoming one of many bystanders killed amid what witnesses described as indiscriminate use of lethal force by Iranian security forces.
Arash was a young art student known to friends as quiet and creative, with aspirations rooted in culture and education rather than politics. On January 8, 2026, he and a friend paused briefly near Vanak Square in Tehran to observe a protest from the sidewalk. According to eyewitness testimony provided to Reuters, Arash neither shouted slogans nor joined demonstrators. As security forces wearing black uniforms arrived and began firing randomly toward the crowd, Arash was struck by gunfire. He collapsed immediately and died on the pavement. His death illustrates how Iran’s violent crackdown extended beyond protesters, claiming the lives of civilians who happened to be nearby.
Pleas of Surviving Relatives and Family if any
Arash’s family and friends expressed grief and shock over his killing. A close friend, speaking anonymously due to fear of reprisals, told Reuters that Arash had not participated in protests and was simply walking home when he was shot. Families of victims like Arash have been left searching hospitals and morgues for answers, while authorities have blamed the deaths on “terrorists,” a claim rejected by witnesses and relatives.
Sources & References
Iran deaths went beyond protesters, hitting bystanders too, witnesses say1 reuters.com Open source
Iranian security forces have shot and killed a 16-year-old girl! Reuters reveals brutal "indiscriminate crackdown."2 news.vocofm.com Open source