Sepehr Hematkhani

Sepehr Hematkhani was only 23 years old when he was killed on 31 May 2023. Born in July, 1999, in Kermanshah, he was the son of Arsalan, a police colonel, and hailed from the large Kalar tribe, Gilan-e Gharb and lived in Tehran. Despite his roots in Kermanshah, Sepehr lived in Tehran, where his life was tragically cut short for standing up against the oppressive regime.

The nationwide protests ignited by the killing of Mahsa Amini in September 2022 saw Sepehr join countless others in voicing their outrage. He participated in the protests that followed, demanding justice and a normal life. After his involvement in the protests, Sepehr was arrested but released on bail. However, his conscience would not allow him to remain silent while the regime continued its brutal repression. He continued to resist and speak out against the regime’s violence.

It was reported that Sepehr was abducted by the regime’s security forces on 11 Nov 2022. He was subjected to severe torture during his detention and ultimately died as a result. The regime, attempting to cover up the true cause of his death, falsified the dates surrounding his murder and burial, listing his death at a different date?, at Behesht Zahra Cemetery. This deception aimed to create the impression that Sepehr had not died during the Woman-Life-Freedom protests, concealing the reality of his torture and death months later.

Sepehr was buried without his family’s presence. His family, gripped with anxiety over his disappearance, received no news until they were finally contacted by the regime’s security forces. They were told that Sepehr had been killed in an “accident” and buried in Behesht Zahra Cemetery. The family was given the location of his grave but was threatened by authorities to remain silent and avoid investigating or publicizing the real cause of his death.

Sepehr Hematkhani’s life, like thousands of other young Iranians, was taken because he dared to demand the most basic human rights. He and his fellow protesters had no weapons, no means of defense—only their voices and their courage. For this, they paid with their lives. Sepehr’s story is a tragic reminder of the cost of speaking out against injustice in Iran, but it also reflects the indomitable spirit of Iranian youth. They know that it is up to them to build their own future—a future of democracy and freedom. And they are paving the way with their lives.

We must remember Sepehr and all those who gave everything for a just and free Iran.