Rasoul Kadivarian

Rasoul Kadivarian was an 18-year-old resident of Kermanshah, Iran. He was one of two brothers who took part in public protests that erupted across the country amid severe economic hardship, inflation, and widespread opposition to the Islamic Republic. The protests in Kermanshah, like those in many other cities, were met with a heavy security presence and the use of live ammunition.

On 3 January 2026, Rasoul was shot by armed forces of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in the Jafarabad area on Artesh Street. He was critically wounded and transferred to Taleghani Hospital in Kermanshah. Despite medical efforts, he died shortly after arriving at the hospital.

Following his death, Rasoul’s family reported that they were subjected to intense pressure by security agencies, the governor’s office, and provincial authorities. Officials allegedly demanded that the family publicly announce that Rasoul was affiliated with the Basij militia and falsely attribute his death to “thugs and rioters.” These pressures were part of broader efforts to control the narrative surrounding protester deaths. As of early January 2026, Rasoul’s body had not been returned to his family.