Hossein Mehdipur

Hossein Mehdipur, a committed 26-year-old sociology teacher from Dashtyari, Baluchistan, was assassinated by unknown gunmen after attending a rally in Tehran on 3 May 2023. Born on 22 April 22, 1997, and originally from Zabol in Sistan province, Hossein was a dedicated teachers’ union representative who relentlessly fought for fair wages and improved conditions for his fellow teachers.

He managed the Telegram channel “Educational Demands,” which was pivotal for union news, and maintained an Instagram page to advocate for teachers’ rights. He became widely respected as an active voice against the unorthodox pay scales imposed on teachers.

Hossein’s union activities were tireless; he travelled thousands of kilometres by bus to reach Tehran, enduring 24-hour journeys to join protests in front of parliament and education offices in the fall and winter of 2021. He spoke passionately at each gathering, drawing the attention and ire of authorities.

At one rally, police attempted to arrest him, but other teachers surrounded him, shielding him from detention. Still, Hossein and other union leaders were frequently persecuted, with many facing arrests and long prison sentences for their efforts. In December 2021, he was detained, kept in an undisclosed location, and threatened by the regime, who pressured him to halt union activities and dismantle the Telegram channel. Despite repeated arrests and confiscations of his phone, he continued to advocate for teachers.

On 30 April 30, 2023, Teachers’ Day, Hossein travelled to Chabahar, responding to a security summons. After stepping out of one vehicle at an intersection to await another, a motorcycle carrying masked men approached. Without warning, they opened fire, fatally wounding him. He fell to the ground, bleeding, as the attackers fled. A passing pickup truck transported him to Chabahar Hospital, where he remained in critical condition until succumbing to his injuries on 5 May 2023.

Hossein’s funeral in Dashtyari drew a large crowd, mourning the loss of a brave advocate who had fought tirelessly for his profession and community. As the family’s primary provider, his parents found themselves without the strength or means to seek justice within a regime whose institutions have systematically undermined accountability. Security forces had long targeted Hossein, and their lack of investigation into his murder has led many to suspect the regime’s involvement in this act, potentially to justify an increased security presence in Baluchistan under the guise of maintaining order.

For years, the Islamic regime has relied on abductions, targeted shootings, threats, and harassment to silence advocates like Hossein Madipur. However, the people of Iran, especially those in Baluchistan, remain unwavering. The blood of their loved ones—like Hossein, who championed justice, freedom, and democracy—will not be forgotten. His legacy is a powerful testament to resilience in the face of oppression, a reminder of the cost of fighting for justice, and an enduring inspiration to those who continue the struggle for a free Iran.