Mahan Mardani

Their life

Mohammad-Mehdi Mardani, known as “Mahan,” was a 23-year-old Iranian student and athlete born in 2002. He was pursuing a Master’s degree at Shahroud University of Technology and served as the goalkeeper for the university’s futsal team, where he achieved multiple local and provincial titles. Alongside his studies, he worked as a bodybuilding coach and was known among friends and neighbors for helping others and living modestly. Shortly before his death, he publicly expressed a belief in the duty of survivors to bear witness and tell the truth.

Mahan Mardani was pursuing postgraduate studies in industrial engineering at Shahrood University of Technology, a public university in north-central Iran. He was actively involved in sports, particularly futsal, where he played as a goalkeeper for his university team, and he also trained in bodybuilding. Friends and peers reportedly viewed him as disciplined, physically active, and intellectually driven. In the context of nationwide protests in Iran, Mardani publicly expressed solidarity with the movement, emphasizing the importance of testimony and narration in times of repression. His final public message reflected a commitment to speaking out despite risks.

How they died

Mahan Mardani was killed by live ammunition fired by state security forces during nationwide protests.

Mahan Mardani lost his life as a result of actions carried out by Iran’s security forces amid widespread protests across the country. His death occurred in the context of state security operations targeting demonstrators. No official explanation detailing the precise circumstances or manner of his killing has been publicly provided.

Why we remember them

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

References & sources