Behnaz Afshari

Behnaz Afshari(January 2, 2000 – October 27, 2022)

Behnaz Afshari was born on January 2, 2000 in Pakdasht, near Tehran. She was the only child in her family and shared a close relationship with her mother. From an early age, she was known for her discipline, determination, and independence. She consistently ranked among the top students in school and showed strong motivation for personal growth.
During her teenage years, she began making and selling handmade accessories, such as hair ties, to earn her own income. This early initiative reflected her independent spirit. She later achieved a high rank in Iran’s national university entrance exam and was admitted to Shariati Women’s University in Tehran, where she studied accounting. Alongside her studies, she continued working and fully supported her educational and personal expenses without financial dependence on her family.
Behnaz had a deep love for nature, hiking, and outdoor activities. She was described by those who knew her as lively, energetic, and full of hope for the future.
In 2022, following the death of Mahsa Amini, widespread protests broke out across Iran, including in universities. Behnaz Afshari was among the students who actively participated in these demonstrations.
On Sunday, October 23, 2022, she left her home to attend a student protest. During the demonstrations, after gatherings formed and slogans were chanted, she and two of her friends were reportedly confronted by plainclothes security forces and motorcyclists as they were leaving the university. According to accounts, she was violently beaten and lost consciousness.
After this incident, she was reported missing. Several days later, her body was identified at the Kahrizak forensic center. The official date of her death was announced as October 27, 2022.
Family members and relatives stated that Behnaz had no history of depression or suicidal tendencies and described her as a happy and active young woman. However, authorities reported the cause of death as suicide. Her family rejected this claim, pointing to visible injuries on her body and raising concerns about the circumstances of her death. There were also reports of pressure on the family to accept the official narrative.
During the process of recovering her body, the family faced restrictions and was not allowed a full examination. Her funeral took place on October 28, 2022 in Pakdasht, under a heavy presence of security forces.
Despite these pressures, people gathered again on the fortieth day after her death to commemorate her. Her family and supporters continue to believe that she lost her life as a result of violence during the protests.