Mehdi Hazrati

Mehdi Hazrati(September 2, 2004 – November 3, 2022)

Mehdi Hazrati, born on September 2, 2004, in Sarab, was a 17-year-old who participated in Iran’s nationwide protests in 2022. These protests began following the death of Mahsa Amini and gradually spread to many cities, including Karaj. Like many others, Mehdi took part in the demonstrations peacefully.
On November 3, 2022, during the commemoration ceremony marking forty days since the death of Hadis Najafi in Karaj, clashes occurred between protesters and security forces in the Kherad Dasht area. During these events, Mehdi Hazrati was shot on Meysam 2 Street. According to available reports and evidence, the bullet struck his forehead, and he died at the scene.
Videos of the incident later circulated on social media. In one video, Mehdi is seen separating from the crowd and walking toward security forces positioned in the street. Moments later, he is struck by a bullet and collapses. Another video shows his body lying on the ground while security personnel gather around him and later transport him away in a pickup truck.
In the days following the incident, Mehdi Hazrati’s identity was not immediately confirmed, and conflicting information circulated. His identity became publicly known only around the time of his seventh-day memorial ceremony.
Hossein Fazeli Harikandi, Chief Justice of Alborz Province, later stated that Mehdi Hazrati had died on November 3 after being shot in the forehead under “suspicious” circumstances. He also claimed that the security forces present at the scene had not been carrying firearms. However, some of the circulated video evidence appears to contradict this statement, suggesting the use of live ammunition.
Reports also emerged regarding the handling of Mehdi’s body. According to these accounts, he was not immediately transported for medical assistance; instead, his body was removed from the scene by security forces. It was further reported that he was buried without full notification or presence of his family.
Mehdi Hazrati’s seventh-day memorial was held on November 10, 2022, in Miandoab under a heavy security presence. His fortieth-day memorial was also reportedly accompanied by restrictions and security measures.
More broadly, reports indicate that from the beginning of the 2022 protests until December 2 of that year, more than 70 children and teenagers lost their lives during the unrest, with Mehdi Hazrati among them.
This account, based on available information, aims to present the events surrounding Mehdi Hazrati’s death in a chronological, factual, and measured yet human manner.