Mehrshad Shahidi-Nejad Monfared Tehrani

Mehrshad Shahidi-Nejad(October 28, 2002 – October 26, 2022)

Mehrshad Shahidi-Nejad Monfared Tehrani was a 20-year-old Iranian chef and student who was killed during the 2022 protests in Iran in the city of Arak.

Life

Mehrshad Shahidi was a student of hospitality management at the University of Applied Science and Technology in Arak and worked professionally as a chef. He was employed at the “Buteh” café-restaurant in Arak and was known as a young and talented cook.
In addition to his professional career, he was active in various sports, including gymnastics, bodybuilding, volleyball, mountain biking, and swimming, where he had won several medals.

Killing (October 26, 2022)

On October 26, 2022, during nationwide protests, Mehrshad Shahidi went missing in Arak. According to reports and eyewitness accounts, he was severely injured after being struck multiple times in the head with batons by security forces.
Witnesses described a “severe beating” and stated that it remains unclear whether he died at the scene or after being taken away by security forces.
According to relatives, his body showed extensive bruising and visible signs of serious injuries, particularly to the head and face.

Family Account

Amir Shahidi, Mehrshad’s father, stated that his son suffered fractures to the head, nose, and chest, as well as brain hemorrhaging.
According to him, instead of being immediately transferred to a hospital, Mehrshad—while critically injured—was detained by security forces and only later taken to a hospital, where his death was confirmed.
On the night of the incident, the family searched for him in hospitals and various institutions until early morning but received no information. The following day, they were informed by the forensic office about an unidentified body and subsequently identified Mehrshad at the morgue.

Burial (October 29, 2022)

Mehrshad Shahidi’s funeral took place on October 29, 2022, in Arak with a large public turnout. Attendees chanted slogans in his memory as well as protest slogans.
Reports indicate that security forces used tear gas in an attempt to disperse the crowd. Thousands of people were said to have participated.

Seventh and Fortieth Day Ceremonies

The seventh-day memorial was held on November 3, 2022, and was accompanied by continued protest slogans.
The fortieth-day ceremony took place on December 8, 2022, under heavy security measures. Prior to the ceremony, the family home was reportedly surrounded, and restrictions were imposed to prevent the gathering.
Nevertheless, groups of citizens and protesters gathered in different parts of the city.

Anniversary (October 2023)

On the anniversary of his death, security restrictions prevented a public ceremony on the exact date. A limited commemoration was held later under controlled conditions.
Reports mentioned the presence of security forces, filming of attendees, and restrictions on public gatherings.

Conflicting Accounts of Cause of Death

While sources close to the family state that he died as a result of severe head injuries, some official authorities have denied these claims and rejected reports of fractures or brain hemorrhage.
There have also been reports that the family was pressured to attribute the cause of death to a “heart attack.”

Legal Proceedings (2022–2025)

After confirming his death, the family filed a complaint for intentional murder and demanded identification and prosecution of those responsible.
Subsequently, the lawyers faced restrictions in accessing the case file, and their objections were rejected. In 2024, the case was suddenly classified as a “security case.”
On February 3, 2025, a decision was issued to dismiss the charge of intentional murder. Due to lack of access to the case file, effective legal objection was not possible.
In May 2025, a court session regarding other charges was scheduled; however, the family and lawyers refused to attend, citing unfair conditions and lack of access to necessary information for defense.

Conclusion

Mehrshad Shahidi was one of the young individuals who lost his life during the 2022 protests in Iran. His case remains controversial due to conflicting narratives and ongoing legal challenges.