Soccer fan Mehdi Eskandarian gave his life fighting for his children's future and a free Iran

Mehdi Eskandarian, 44, died on January 9, 2025, during protests against the Islamic Regime in Iran. His loved ones remember him as the heart and soul of his family, who always had a positive outlook and hope to spare. He was also an active outdoorsman, an athlete, and a lifelong fan of the Persepolis Football Club.

Eskandarian believed the Islamic Regime was unqualified to lead Iran and favored Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi's return. He also expressed respect for Israel and a wish for Iranian Jews to visit Iran. He frequently posted pictures of the Pahlavi family and posed with the Israeli flag on Instagram, actions considered serious offenses under the Islamic Republic's laws.

Six months prior to his death, he joined thousands of Iranians in protests for change. He reportedly understood the risk of security forces opening fire but did not inform his family to protect their hope. "If we do not go into the streets for Iran’s freedom today, one day our children will have to do it instead," he told his wife, adding, "Today it is our lives, so that they may have a better future."

On the first night of protests, Eskandarian was hopeful due to the large crowds. After security forces opened fire, he helped injured protesters. Despite witnessing the violence, he returned to the protests on January 9. His family lost contact with him that night during a shooting in Fardis, Karaj. They found him at Shahriar Hospital with a gunshot wound to the head and injuries from beatings. Doctors indicated he might recover if he survived 72 hours, but he died after 75 hours on life support, which was withdrawn without his family's knowledge. His family claims officials stated he was killed by the Iranian military for alleged involvement with Israel.

After his death, his family had to identify his body from a morgue filled with dead protesters. They found him with a bullet still in his head, which was later removed during an autopsy and returned to them. His funeral was held under strict conditions.

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If we do not go into the streets for Iran’s freedom today, one day our children will have to do it instead. Today it is our lives, so that they may have a better future.