Sajjad Valamanesh
Sajjad Valamanesh was killed as a result of a violent crackdown by Iranian security forces on anti-government demonstrations in western Iran.
Sajjad Valamanesh was fatally shot by Iranian security forces during demonstrations in Lordegan. The use of live ammunition against protesters directly resulted in his death. The violence extended beyond the killing itself, as authorities delayed the release of his body and subjected his family to intimidation and forced public statements.
Biography
Sajjad Valamanesh was a 20-year-old Iranian protester from the city of Lordegan in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province. He was killed on January 1, 2026, after being shot by security forces during public demonstrations. His death was followed by pressure and intimidation directed at his family, turning his killing into a broader case of coercion and repression beyond the initial act of violence.
Sajjad Valamanesh was a young resident of Lordegan, a city in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province, an area home to Iran’s Bakhtiari Lur minority. At just 20 years old, he became one of the youngest victims of the early-2026 protest crackdown.
On Thursday, January 1, 2026, Sajjad was shot and killed by Iranian security forces while participating in demonstrations. In the days following his death, authorities intensified pressure on his family. Members of the Revolutionary Guard’s Intelligence Organization repeatedly contacted Sajjad’s relatives.
According to sources close to the family, Sajjad’s father was coerced into giving an interview broadcast by state media in which he appeared to support a crackdown on protesters. The family stated this was done only to secure the release of Sajjad’s body for burial. Sources also emphasized that Sajjad was not a member of the Basij militia and was known to be a monarchy supporter. He was laid to rest on Friday, with a large crowd attending his funeral.
Pleas of Surviving Relatives and Family if any
Sajjad’s family faced sustained pressure following his death. His father was reportedly coerced into a televised interview calling for a crackdown on protesters in order to secure the release of Sajjad’s body
Additional Information
Sources & References
Young Iranian lives cut short as world welcomed new year1 iranintl.com Open source
Since late December 2025, Iranian security forces have committed massacres against civilians in the 2025–26 Iranian protests.2 en.wikipedia.org Open source
At least 12,000 killed in Iran crackdown as blackout deepens3 archive.ph Open source