Morteza Shaneh

Their life

Morteza Shaneh was a 32-year-old civilian from the Masoudiyeh district of Sabzevar, Iran. In January 2026, he joined popular protests against the Iranian government’s policies. While participating in these demonstrations, Morteza was shot and killed by security forces, making him one of the many civilians who lost their lives amid a nationwide crackdown that drew international concern and attention.

Morteza lived in the city of Sabzevar, in northeastern Iran’s Razavi Khorasan province. As a 32-year-old adult, he was part of a younger generation deeply affected by economic difficulties, political restrictions, and social tensions in the country. Although specific personal details like his profession or family background are not publicly documented, his death was confirmed by the Hengaw Organization for Human Rights, which monitors and reports on protest-related violence in Iran. Human rights observers say his killing occurred during a protest on January 10, 2026 — one of the waves of demonstrations that saw a heavy response from government security forces.

How they died

He was shot by government security forces while taking part in an anti-government protest.

During the January protests, Iranian security forces deployed live ammunition, tear gas, and other methods to suppress demonstrations. Videos, eyewitness accounts, and human rights documentation suggest that many protesters were killed by direct gunfire from security forces. In Morteza’s case, reports say he was struck by bullets fired by government forces while he was in the Masoudiyeh district participating in a protest. Rights groups emphasize that many of these killings involved excessive use of force against unarmed civilians.

Why we remember them

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

References & sources