Zahra Moradi

Their life

Zahra Moradi was a young Kurdish woman originally from Hesar village near Bukan in Iran’s Kurdistan Province. She had been living and working in Tehran with her family for several years, earning a living as a hairdresser. Recently married, Zahra took part in nationwide demonstrations against political repression and economic hardship. During the protest in Tehransar on the evening of 8 January 2026, she was struck and killed by live ammunition fired by security forces, becoming one of several Kurdish victims of the crackdown.

Born and raised in the Kurdish region of western Iran, Zahra moved with her family from the village of Hesar to Tehran, where she worked as a hairdresser and built her life in the capital. She had recently married and was establishing her household when the mass protests erupted in late December 2025 and early January 2026. Zahra joined the demonstrations on 8 January, reflecting broad public discontent with state policies. Accompanied by close relatives, including her uncle and cousin, she was present in Tehransar when security forces responded with live ammunition. Her death highlights the often-lethal force used against largely peaceful demonstrators and underscores the risks faced by ordinary citizens in the movement.

How they died

Zahra Moradi died from direct gunshot wounds inflicted by state security forces during the protest.

According to human rights reports, security forces including elements of the Iranian law enforcement and Revolutionary Guards employed live ammunition against crowds in Tehransar on 8 January. Zahra was hit in the head and chest while participating in the demonstration with her uncle and cousin, who were also injured by pellet fire. The use of lethal force against unarmed civilians in this context is part of a documented pattern of violent repression across Tehran and other cities during early January protests.

Why we remember them

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

References & sources