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Dariush Ansari Bakhtiarvand was a 27-year-old Iranian citizen and resident of Fuladshahr who, according to reports, was killed during the 2025-2026 Iranian protests after being shot by security forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran. [1] [2]
The 2025-2026 Iranian protests emerged amid worsening economic conditions, including high inflation, the depreciation of the national currency, and increased cost-of-living pressures. A notable aspect of these protests was that they partially originated within the traditionally conservative and pro-government merchant class of the bazaar, which was viewed by observers as an indication of widening economic and political divisions. [3] [4]
The protests included public gatherings, anti-government slogans, and bazaar strikes, which continued for several consecutive days and intensified alongside developments such as the resignation of the governor of the Central Bank of Iran. In response, security forces used measures including tear gas to disperse protesters, though in some instances they encountered resistance. [5]
In the following days, particularly from the third day onward, the protests expanded to multiple regions across Iran. As anti-government slogans became more prominent, protesters’ demands moved beyond economic grievances and increasingly reflected political opposition, highlighting ongoing economic instability and public dissatisfaction. [6] [7]
Dariush Ansari Bakhtiarvand, a 27-year-old citizen, was killed on the evening of Wednesday, 31 December 2025, during protests in Fuladshahr after being shot. According to a close associate, Ansari Bakhtiarvand was shot during the protests and died before reaching the hospital. The head of the Isfahan Province Criminal Investigation Police confirmed the death of "a 27-year-old citizen" in Fuladshahr on the same evening without providing further details or naming the individual. The human rights organization Hengaw also reported that he was killed by direct gunfire from security forces. [1] [8]