Soheil Zilabi

Soheil Zilabi was a 24-year-old resident of Yazdanshahr, located in Iran's Isfahan province, whose life and untimely death have become a symbol of the human cost of civil unrest in the region. Born into a modest family, Soheil was raised primarily by his mother, who dedicated herself to raising him and his two sisters through considerable hardship and sacrifice. Despite the challenges, Soheil grew into a young man known for his gentle nature; a relative would later remember him as "an extremely kind and lovable young man."

After completing his mandatory military service approximately a year and a half before his death, Soheil integrated himself into the local workforce, taking on the role of a car paint color-matching assistant. His daily life was defined by discipline and hard work—he would leave his home each morning at 5 a.m. and not return until 5 p.m., contributing to his family and community through his labor.

On Friday, January 9, 2026, Soheil's life was tragically cut short during demonstrations in his hometown. According to a source close to the family who spoke with Iran International, Soheil was present at the Yazdanshahr protests when security forces opened fire on the crowd. He was struck by gunfire on Motahari Boulevard and suffered a critical gunshot wound to the head. He was rushed to Fatemeh Zahra Hospital that night, but medical staff were unable to save him, and he was pronounced dead.

In the aftermath of his death, his family endured further anguish. Security forces did not immediately release his body; instead, they handed over only his bloodstained clothes to his relatives and instructed them to go to Bagh-e Rezvan Cemetery in Isfahan to receive his remains. For five agonizing days, the family waited, visiting the cemetery repeatedly until his body was finally released to them for burial. Soheil Zilabi leaves behind his mother and two sisters, who now mourn the loss of a son and brother whose life was defined by kindness, duty, and hard work.