Hamid Arzanlou

Their life

Hamid Arzanlou was a respected Iranian furniture entrepreneur who lived in Tehran and helped organize significant workers’ strikes and protests against the government in late 2025 and early 2026. A father of two young children, Hamid stood alongside other demonstrators during nationwide protests demanding change. On January 9, 2026, he was struck in the head by gunfire from security forces in the Tehranpars area during the regime’s crackdown, and later died from his injuries. His death, along with that of his brother Vahid — who was killed trying to help him — became a symbol of the sacrifices ordinary Iranians made during the uprising.

Hamid Arzanlou was known as one half of a prominent entrepreneurial duo in Iran’s furniture industry, co-owning and managing a well-known company that provided jobs for hundreds of workers. Born and raised in a working-class family in Tehran’s Khak-e Sefid neighborhood, he and his brother built a successful business that became influential in their community. Beyond his business, Hamid was actively involved in social movements, supporting labor walkouts and participating in early 2026 demonstrations against economic and political conditions in Iran. On January 9, 2026, during a mass shooting of protesters by Iranian security forces in the Tehranpars district, he was hit in the head by gunfire and later died — while his brother Vahid, who rushed to help him, was also shot and killed. Hamid leaves behind his young children and a grieving extended family.

How they died

He died from a gunshot wound to the head inflicted by security forces during protests

During the protests of January 8-9, 2026, Iranian authorities used live ammunition and lethal force against demonstrators in multiple cities, including Tehran. In the Tehranpars district, security forces fired on crowds participating in anti-government demonstrations. Hamid was shot in the head during this crackdown, a wound that proved fatal. His brother Vahid was shot in the neck when attempting to assist him, underscoring the chaotic and deadly environment protesters faced

Why we remember them

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

References & sources