Arian Moridi

Arian Moridi(September 30, 2003 – October 10, 2022)

Arian Moridi, a 19-year-old young man from Salas-e Babajani, was born on September 30, 2003, into a modest and respected family. He was the son of Hossein and Ameneh and grew up alongside his two brothers. Arian was a senior high school student in the humanities track, preparing for the university entrance exam with hope and determination. His dream was to become a teacher—a goal rooted in his passion for education and shaping future generations.

He was known as a calm, respectful, and modest young man. Those around him remember his good character, neat appearance, and kind heart. His love for nature and sports reflected his lively and vibrant spirit.

But fate had a tragic path in store for him.

In October 2022, as nationwide protests spread across Iran following the death of Jina (Mahsa) Amini, many cities became scenes of public demonstrations. Salas-e Babajani joined these protests for the first time. On the evening of October 9, 2022, Arian, like thousands of other young people, took to the streets to stand for his rights and demand freedom.

According to witnesses, the protests were peaceful, with people expressing themselves through chants alone. However, this silence was shattered by gunfire.

Government forces opened direct fire using live ammunition, turning the city into a scene of fear and chaos. A bullet struck Arian from close range in his left shoulder. It passed through his body, tearing through vital arteries and his lung before exiting through his right shoulder. The severity of the injury caused him to lose consciousness immediately.

His friends rushed him to a temporary field hospital in Salas-e Babajani—an under-equipped facility lacking surgical staff. After about an hour, he was transferred to Javanrud Hospital, and then to Taleghani Hospital in Kermanshah.

But time was against him. Arian went into cardiac arrest before reaching the final hospital. Despite the medical team's efforts to revive him, they were unsuccessful. After hours of fighting for his life, this 19-year-old lost his life.

The grief of his loss cast a heavy silence over his family. It is said that his mother lost her ability to speak for several days after hearing the news.

The next day, on October 10, 2022, his body was returned to his hometown village, Qalqaleh, for burial.

His funeral became one of the most crowded and sorrowful ceremonies in the region. People gathered in large numbers—those who knew him and even those who did not—mourning a young life taken too soon.

On that same night, at least 50 protesters were arrested, and several others were injured. Yet Arian’s name, like many others, remains etched in the collective memory of the people.

Arian Moridi is not just a name; he is the unfinished story of a young man who dreamed of becoming a teacher, but instead became a symbol of a life and a future cut short.