Erfan Bozorgi

Their life

Erfan Bozorgi was a 34-year-old Iranian arm-wrestling champion from Marvdasht in Fars Province. A member of the Lor ethnic community, he was known locally for his athletic achievements in arm wrestling. During protests in Marvdasht in early January 2026, he was shot by Iranian government forces and later died from his injuries in hospital, becoming one of several reported fatalities linked to the unrest in the city.

Erfan Bozorgi was born around 1991–1992 and was a resident of Marvdasht, located in Fars Province, Iran. He gained recognition as an arm-wrestling champion and was regarded as a prominent local athlete. As a member of Iran’s Lor ethnic minority, he was part of a culturally distinct community within the country.

In early January 2026, protests took place in Marvdasht amid broader unrest in different parts of Iran. On January 1, Bozorgi was reportedly shot by government forces during the demonstrations. He was seriously wounded and transferred to a medical facility, where he died on January 2, 2026. His death was reported by Hengaw Organization for Human Rights, which stated that he was directly targeted by security forces. His killing raised further concerns among human rights observers about the use of live ammunition against protesters.

How they died

Erfan Bozorgi was killed during anti-government protests in Marvdasht. He was reportedly shot by Iranian government forces while participating in or present at public demonstrations.

Erfan Bozorgi was directly shot by Iranian government forces during protests in Marvdasht on January 1, 2026. He sustained critical injuries (reported as a gunshot wound, including claims of being shot in the head) and was transferred to a hospital, where he died the following day due to the severity of his injuries.

Why we remember them

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

References & sources