Ghazaleh Chalabi

Ghazaleh Chalabi(August 4, 1989 – September 27, 2022)

Ghazaleh Chalabi was born on August 4, 1989, in the city of Amol, Iran. She held a degree in Banking Management and worked as an accountant for a private company. Alongside her professional life, she had a deep passion for nature, hiking, and travel. She was an experienced mountaineer who had climbed prominent peaks in Iran, including Mount Damavand and Alam Kuh. Known for her calm, kind, and thoughtful personality, she also strived in recent years to live independently and according to her own values.
After completing her studies, she married and moved to Tehran. However, the marriage was difficult and eventually ended in divorce. Following this period, with the support of her family—especially her brother—she rebuilt her life and gained greater independence, focusing on creating a future aligned with her personal aspirations.
In 2022, following the death of Mahsa Amini and the outbreak of nationwide protests in Iran, Ghazaleh became increasingly engaged in public demonstrations. Although she had not frequently participated in protests before, in the final days of her life she became more active, encouraging others to speak out and not remain silent.
On September 21, 2022, Ghazaleh attended a protest in Amol. While filming the demonstration on her mobile phone and calling on people not to be afraid, she was struck by a direct gunshot. According to reports, the shot was fired by security forces positioned in or around the local governor’s office building, and a high-caliber bullet hit her in the head. The final moments of her life were recorded on her own phone—a video that later circulated widely on social media and in international media, drawing significant attention.
After the shooting, she was transferred to a hospital, where she remained in a coma for several days. Despite medical efforts, her injuries were too severe, and there was no hope of recovery. She died on September 27, 2022.
Prior to her death, Ghazaleh had expressed her wish to donate her organs in the event of brain death and had completed the relevant donor forms more than once. However, despite her family’s consent, they were not permitted to proceed with organ donation. According to relatives, this decision was influenced by security-related considerations.
In the days following her death, her family reportedly faced various restrictions and pressures, including limitations regarding public communication and funeral arrangements. Nevertheless, her fortieth-day memorial ceremony was held on November 3, 2022, in Amol and was marked by a significant public turnout and protest gatherings.
Due to the circumstances of her life and death—particularly the recording of her final moments—Ghazaleh Chalabi became one of the most recognized figures associated with the 2022 protests in Iran. For many, her story stands as a symbol of courage, the struggle for freedom, and the importance of documenting truth in the face of repression and the risk of being forgotten.