Nazanin‑Zahra Salehi

Their life

Nazanin-Zahra Salehi was a 13-year-old student from Kermanshah known for her academic excellence and dedication to sports, particularly Wushu. After losing her mother several years earlier, she lived with and was cared for by her aunt. On 9 January, while travelling to a medical centre because she was feeling unwell, she encountered unrest in the Basij neighbourhood during anti-government protests. As gunfire erupted, she ran toward a nearby park to seek safety but was fatally shot. Her funeral took place on 11 January at Bagh‑e Ferdows Cemetery, where family members, friends, and community members mourned her death.

Nazanin-Zahra Salehi was born on 19 July 2012 in Kermanshah, a city in western Iran. She was described by relatives and acquaintances as an outstanding student with a strong interest in athletics. She practiced wushu and reportedly showed promise in the sport. After her mother died several years before the incident, Nazanin-Zahra was raised by her aunt, who became her primary caregiver.

On 9 January, she was reportedly unwell and travelling with her aunt to a medical centre when protests were taking place in the Basij neighbourhood. Security forces were reportedly firing in the area toward demonstrators. Attempting to avoid the violence, Nazanin-Zahra ran toward a nearby park. Reports state she was shot by security personnel operating from a vehicle linked to IRGC forces. Due to the tense security situation and lack of transportation during the protests, her body remained in the park for hours before it could be taken to a hospital and later to the forensic medicine department. Her funeral was held on 11 January at Bagh-e Ferdows Cemetery in Kermanshah.

How they died

Nazanin-Zahra Salehi was killed during anti-government protests in the Basij neighbourhood of Kermanshah. Security forces were reportedly firing toward protesters in the area.

According to reports, Nazanin-Zahra was shot at close range from a Pride vehicle used by members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The shots struck her in the head area, leading to fatal injuries. After the shooting, the security forces allegedly left the scene without providing medical assistance. Because of the unrest and lack of transportation during the protests, she was not immediately taken to hospital.

Why we remember them

This record exists so that Nazanin‑Zahra Salehi, and all who are named in this archive, are never reduced to a number.

References & sources