MohammadJavad Zahedi

MohammadJavad Zahedi(August 28, 2002 – September 21, 2022)

MohammadJavad Zahedi Sari was born on August 28, 2002 in the city of Sari, Iran. He was the son of Mohammadreza Zahedi and Mahsa Yazdani and grew up in a family of five with two sisters.

He studied building drafting and received his high school diploma in this field. He intended to continue his studies at the university level, but a traffic accident about a year before his death prevented him from enrolling, and he spent time recovering from his injuries.

Events on the Day of His Death

On September 21, 2022, MohammadJavad went to a pharmacy on Enqelab Street in Sari to get medicine. At that time, the street was a site of public protest. On his way back, near Chaharrah-e Barq (Barq Crossroad), he was shot from behind, and 96 pellets hit his body.

Witnesses reported that the street was blocked, preventing access for ambulances and medical assistance. Friends and family tried to move him to safety, but his injuries were fatal. MohammadJavad was transferred to a hospital in Qaemshahr, where he died a few hours later.

Funeral

His body was delivered to the family two days later, and his funeral took place at Valashkola Cemetery in Sari. It has been reported that the family was asked to pledge not to speak publicly, though some unofficial sources indicated they wanted the truth about the incident to be known.

Family Pressures and Legal Repercussions

Mahsa Yazdani, MohammadJavad's mother, faced significant pressure from security and judicial authorities following her son’s death. She was summoned and detained on several occasions and was sentenced by the Sari Revolutionary Court to 13 years in prison, later reduced to 5 years under Article 134 of the Islamic Penal Code.
"When you killed my Mohammad, I fell to the ground for a year and then stood up again. I stand for Mohammad and my children until the end."

Reports indicate that authorities attempted to officially register MohammadJavad as a "martyr" and label the shooter as a "monafeq" (opponent). Amnesty International reported that security forces in Mazandaran Province were ordered to "act mercilessly, even to the point of death" against protesters.

Legacy

MohammadJavad Zahedi, shortly after celebrating his 20th birthday, became one of the victims of the 2022 Iranian protests. His name, along with thousands of others, continues to stand as a symbol against oppression and violence. His family and compatriots believe the blood of these victims carries a clear message:
"The path to freedom continues, and silence means repeating the crime."