Kian Pirfalak

Their life

Key Facts:

Born: June 11, 2013, Izeh, Iran

Died: November 16, 2022 (age 9)

Circumstance: Killed during Mahsa Amini protests

Location: Shot while sitting in family car in Izeh market

Significance: Youngest confirmed victim of protest crackdown

The Incident:

Security forces opened fire on civilian vehicles

Single bullet pierced Kian's lung

Father Meysam critically injured (survived after hospitalization)

Among 7 killed in Izeh that day including:

Artin Rahmani (teenager)

Sepehr Maghsoodi (shot in head)

Government Response:

Initial Claim: Blamed ISIS (using fabricated statement)

Later Version: Accused 4 men (2 killed by IRGC, 1 tortured into confession)

Supreme Court issued death sentence based on forced confession (2023)

Family's Account:

Mother Zeinab Moulai witnessed shooting by security forces

Rejected all government narratives

Father remains traumatized by injuries and loss

Impact:

Became symbol of regime's brutality against children

Sparked nationwide outrage

Viral hashtag #KianPirfalak

International condemnation from:

UN Human Rights Office

Amnesty International

Child rights organizations

Legacy:

Remembered through murals and memorials worldwide

Case exemplifies:

Iran's violent protest suppression

Fabrication of evidence

Use of forced confessions

Mother's Statement:
"They killed my son before my eyes, then killed the truth with their lies."

Early Life:
Born on June 11, 2013 in the city of Izeh, Khuzestan province, Kian was the beloved youngest child of Meysam Pirfalak and Zeinab Moulai. Described by neighbors as a bright and cheerful boy, he attended local elementary school and was particularly fond of drawing and playing football. His family belonged to Iran's Bakhtiari ethnic minority group.

The Fateful Day - November 16, 2022:
During widespread protests following Mahsa Amini's death, security forces launched a violent crackdown in Izeh. At approximately 6:30 PM, while returning home from a family outing, Kian was sitting in the backseat of his parents' car when:

Security forces opened fire indiscriminately near the city's main market

A single bullet penetrated the vehicle, striking Kian in the chest

His father Meysam sustained severe injuries trying to protect him

Despite rushed medical attention, Kian died from massive blood loss

Aftermath and Cover-Up:

Immediate Government Response:

Initially blamed ISIS using fabricated documents

Later accused four men (two were extrajudicially killed by IRGC)

Forced confession obtained through torture from Abbas Kurkur

Family's Ordeal:

Mother prevented from holding proper funeral

Father hospitalized with physical and psychological trauma

Relatives harassed by security forces

Medical Evidence:

Independent analysis confirmed bullet trajectory matched security forces' position

Contradicted official claims of "terrorist attack"

Global Impact:

Became the face of child victims in Iran protests

UN Human Rights Office cited case in emergency session

EU Parliament passed resolution condemning killing

Memorialized worldwide through:

Street murals from Berlin to Toronto

Digital art campaigns

Candlelight vigils

Ongoing Legacy:

Symbolizes three tragedies:

Brutality against ethnic minorities

Violence against children

State-sponsored disinformation

His name remains chanted in protest slogans

Family continues seeking justice despite threats

Forensic Timeline:

Time Event
18:30 Shot while in vehicle
18:45 Arrived at hospital
19:20 Pronounced dead
Next Day Government blames ISIS
Day 3 Forced confession obtained
Week 2 International outcry begins

How they died

Shooting by security forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran

Additional context

the crackdown on the Mahsa Amini protests

A plea from the family

1. Mother's Defiance (Zeinab Moulai) Public Testimony: Repeatedly described seeing security forces fire directly at their car, stating: "They aimed at my child's heart with precision." Rejected Official Lies: Refuted claims of terrorist involvement, demanding ballistic evidence. Ongoing Harassment: Faces constant surveillance and threats for speaking to international media. 2. Father's Trauma (Meysam Pirfalak) Physical Scars: Permanently disabled from protective injuries sustained while shielding Kian. Psychological Torment: Hospitalized multiple times for trauma-related breakdowns. Silenced by Force: Forbidden from giving interviews under threat of imprisonment. 3. Family's Unanswered Demands ✔ Accountability - Names and prosecution of shooters ✔ Truth - Release of all security camera footage ✔ Memorialization - Permission to build a public grave site ✔ Protection - End to harassment of mourning relatives 4. International Advocacy UNHRC Petition: Filed by cousin now in exile, documenting evidence of: Bullet trajectory analysis Forced confession irregularities EU Parliament Resolution: Named Kian in sanctions against Iranian officials Heartbreaking Ritual Every Wednesday (Iranian weekend), relatives risk arrest to leave toys at the shooting site - promptly removed by security forces each Thursday morning. Mother's Vow "They stole Kian's future, but they'll never stop us from demanding justice. His birthday will always be marked by our cries for accountability."

Why we remember them

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

References & sources