Seyed Mehdi Mousavi Nikoo

Following the death of Mahsa Amini and the onset of street protests in Iran, law enforcement and security forces employed various methods to disperse the gatherings of protesters. During these street protests in Zanjan, Seyed Mehdi Mousavi was killed by officers. This Zanjan resident died in the city on 21 September 2022.

Protests in Zanjan commenced simultaneously with the nationwide demonstrations in Iran on 21 September 2022. The gathering of protesters in Zanjan began near Saadi Square and gradually spread to other central areas of the city. As the number of protesters increased, law enforcement and security forces resorted to using batons, tear gas, and direct firing with pellet guns. Several citizens were injured, and some were arrested.

After the officers attacked the protesters, people dispersed into the surrounding streets. Simultaneously, gatherings were also taking place in other areas, such as Safa Street. Mehdi Mousavi was killed by officers on this street. Following the firing of pellet bullets, five bullets struck Mehdi Mousavi's back, and after he fell to the ground, this ۱۶ ساله citizen was repeatedly struck on the head and body with batons by the officers, leading to his death before reaching the hospital.

In the early hours of Thursday, 22 September 2022, Mehdi Mousavi's body was not handed over to his family due to pressure from security agencies. The officers only allowed the family to attend his burial ceremony. Mehdi Mousavi's body was transferred directly from the hospital to Behesht Zahra in Zanjan and was buried in the presence of only a few family members, without the attendance of relatives and other Zanjan citizens.

Security agencies threatened Mehdi Mousavi's family with the arrest of other family members if they disclosed that he was killed by officers. The family was told that their son was killed by opposition groups. Meanwhile, some Zanjan citizens reported the deaths of several individuals during the protests in the city. However, it is not possible to confirm the identities of the other deceased.

Mehdi Mousavi, was killed after being struck by five bullets and multiple baton blows to his head and body during the protests on 21 September 2022 in Zanjan.