Reza Kadivarian

Their life

Reza Kadivarian was a 20-year-old Iranian civilian from Kermanshah who died after being shot by forces of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) during nationwide protests in early January 2026. He sustained critical gunshot injuries during demonstrations in the Jafarabad area and later died in hospital after falling into a coma, becoming one of the young civilian victims of the protest crackdown.

Reza Kadivarian was a 20-year-old resident of Kermanshah, Iran. Along with his younger brother, Rasoul, he participated in public protests that erupted across the country amid severe economic hardship, inflation, and widespread opposition to the Islamic Republic. Demonstrations in Kermanshah were met with a heavy security response, including the reported use of live ammunition by security forces.

On the evening of 3 January 2026, Reza was shot by armed forces of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in the Jafarabad area on Artesh Street. He sustained severe injuries and was transported to Taleghani Hospital in Kermanshah, where he was admitted to the intensive care unit. Reza fell into a coma as a result of his injuries and remained in critical condition overnight.

He died on 4 January 2026. Following his death, Reza’s family reported continued pressure from authorities, including demands for large sums of money in exchange for the return of the bodies and requests to misclassify the deaths as those of Bas

How they died

Gunshot wounds.

Reza Kadivarian died from severe gunshot injuries inflicted by IRGC forces during protests. The gunfire caused catastrophic trauma, leading to loss of consciousness, a coma, and death after a period in intensive care.

A plea from the family

Reza Kadivarian’s family reported being pressured by authorities to pay a large sum of money to receive the bodies of Reza and his brother. They were also reportedly urged to falsely declare the brothers as Basij members, an allegation the family rejected. These actions were described as coercive attempts to suppress public accountability and mourning.

Why we remember them

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

References & sources