Masoud Ahmadzadeh

Masoud Ahmadzadeh (October 14, 1995 – November 28, 2022)

Dr. Masoud Ahmadzadeh was born on October 14, 1995 in Mahabad, a city in Iran's Kurdistan region. A dedicated dentist, he was known among his patients, friends, and family for his kindness, generosity, and commitment to serving his community. He was also the sole provider for his elderly parents.
Those who knew Masoud remember him as an energetic and cheerful person. He enjoyed sports, spending time with friends, and bringing happiness to those around him. As a dentist, he believed that his professional success was owed to the people who trusted him with their care. He often reduced treatment costs for patients in need and sometimes allowed them to pay in installments when they could not afford immediate treatment.
Masoud had a deep attachment to his hometown, the people of Kurdistan, and the region's natural beauty. When the nationwide protests that followed the death of Mahsa (Jina) Amini spread across Iran in 2022, he joined many other citizens who took part in demonstrations.
On November 26, 2022, according to the Persian calendar date of 4 Aban 1401, protests in Mahabad intensified after the death of Esmail Moloudi, who was killed during demonstrations. The following day, November 27, a large crowd gathered to attend his funeral procession.
As the funeral concluded, tensions in the city escalated. Demonstrations continued, and clashes occurred between protesters and security forces. During these events, several individuals, including Shaho Khazri, Kobra Sheikheh-Sagha, and Zanyar Aboubakri, were killed. Masoud Ahmadzadeh was also seriously wounded by gunfire.
Because of concerns that he might be arrested if taken to a hospital, his family and those around him decided not to seek hospital treatment. Instead, one of his colleagues attempted to treat and dress his wounds at home. However, it later appeared that one of the bullets had caused severe internal damage by injuring a major blood vessel, an injury that was not detected at the time.
Over the next several hours, his condition worsened due to the severity of his injuries and ongoing internal bleeding. On November 28, 2022, at the age of 27, Dr. Masoud Ahmadzadeh died in front of his mother.
Following his death, residents of Mahabad gathered once again to accompany him on his final journey. His funeral became another moment of collective mourning for a community that had already lost several lives during the protests.
Dr. Ahmadzadeh's name is remembered among the healthcare professionals who were affected by the events of the 2022 protests. To many in Mahabad, he remains a symbol of a young dentist who dedicated his life to helping others, caring for his community, and supporting his family until his final days.