Milad Ostad Hashem

Milad Ostad Hashem (September 15, 1984 – October 26, 2022)

Milad Ostad Hashem was born on September 15, 1984, a household appliance seller in Tehran’s Shush Square and the father of a young daughter.
When the nationwide protests erupted in 2022, Milad, like countless other Iranians, joined those demanding freedom and justice. On October 26, 2022, while riding his motorcycle near Haft-e Hoz Square in eastern Tehran, he was shot from behind. Severely wounded, he managed to pull his motorcycle aside before succumbing to his injuries at the scene.
Following his death, Iranian state media claimed that Milad was a member of the Basij militia and alleged that he had been killed by protesters. However, this account was challenged by his family and by subsequent reports, including one published by BBC Persian, which identified him as a protester and disputed the government's narrative.
According to reports from sources close to his family, they were subjected to intense pressure by security forces after his death. They were reportedly threatened and forced to record videos endorsing the official version of events. One of the alleged threats stated: "Either you come and record a denial video, or we'll come and take you away." Security agents also allegedly threatened to arrest Milad's younger brother, Mahyar, if the family refused to publicly reject the BBC Persian report.
The same reports further allege that the family was coerced into identifying Milad as a Basij member and was forced to pay 20 million tomans under what was described as a "bullet fee" ("haqq-e tir"). These allegations have been reported by sources close to the family.
Milad Ostad Hashem was laid to rest in Behesht-e Zahra Cemetery in Tehran, Section 102, Row 88, Grave 47. Although his funeral was conducted under the state's official narrative, many Iranians continue to remember him as one of the victims of the Woman, Life, Freedom movement.
Today, on the anniversary of his birth, we honor the memory of Milad Ostad Hashem and all those who lost their lives during the uprising—people who, like him, had families, dreams, hopes, and futures that were cut tragically short.