Mona Esmi

Their life

Mona Esmi was a Gilak woman from Rasht, in northern Iran, who was killed during nationwide protests on January 8, 2026. She was a married mother of one child and was reported to be between 33 and 38 years old, according to differing sources. Her death occurred amid a broader crackdown by Iranian security forces on demonstrators.

Mona Esmi was a native of Rasht, the capital of Gilan Province, and belonged to the Gilak ethnic community. She was married and had one young son. Friends and family described her as a devoted mother whose life centered on her child and family.

On the evening of Thursday, January 8, 2026, Mona Esmi was present during protests taking place in Rasht as part of a nationwide uprising across Iran. According to information reported by Hengaw and other sources, Iranian government security forces opened fire on demonstrators. Mona Esmi was shot from behind and sustained fatal injuries.

Her death left her child without a mother and deeply affected her family, who continue to grieve her loss. Her killing has b

How they died

Fatal gunshot wound resulting from live ammunition fired by security forces.

Mona Esmi was killed after being shot with live ammunition during protests in Rasht. Reports indicate that Iranian government security forces fired directly at demonstrators. She was shot from behind and did not survive her injuries. Her death is considered a protest-related killing involving the use of lethal force against a civilian.

Why we remember them

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

References & sources