Javad Heydari

Javad Heydari (November 9, 1982 – September 22, 2022)

Javad Heydari, born on November 9, 1982, was from the city of Qazvin and held a degree in agricultural engineering. He was known as an economically active individual with strong social concerns.
On the evening of September 22, 2022, during the sixth day of nationwide protests in Iran following the death of Mahsa (Jina) Amini, demonstrations took place across Qazvin. That night, Javad Heydari joined the protesters. According to reports, he was shot from behind at close range near Mellat Park, on Hekmabad Street.
After being struck by the bullet, he suffered severe bleeding. Some accounts indicate that his transfer to a hospital was delayed for several hours. It is reported that he was taken to Shahid Rajaei Hospital in Qazvin approximately three hours after being injured. Due to the severity of his wounds and the delay in medical treatment, he died later that night.
His family remained unaware of his condition for several hours and only learned of his death through acquaintances. Initially, his body had been transferred to a morgue as an unidentified individual before being recognized by his family.
Javad Heydari was buried on September 25, 2022, in his hometown village of Rahmatabad Bozorg, near Qazvin. His funeral was attended by a large number of people despite reported pressures and restrictions. According to sources, authorities had urged the family to hold a quick and quiet burial, but public attendance was significant.
Following his death, his family reportedly faced various forms of pressure, including summons, arrests, threats, and loss of employment. Reports also indicate that some family members were dismissed from their jobs. Additionally, on the anniversary of his death, security forces were said to have intervened to prevent memorial gatherings at the family home.
Those close to Javad describe him as compassionate, thoughtful, and committed to justice. Prior to his death, he had spoken about the importance of allowing young people to make their own choices, even while being aware of the risks involved in protest.
According to Amnesty International, dozens of people were killed in cities across Iran during the September 2022 protests. Javad Heydari is among those who lost their lives in Qazvin during these events.