About

Mohammad Jamah-Bozorg, born on March 23, 1963, was a respected shop owner in Malard, a city on the outskirts of Karaj, Iran. His life and tragic demise during the 2021 Iranian protests cast a stark light on the harsh realities faced by ordinary citizens caught in the crossfire of political unrest and state violence. Mohammad’s story is not just a tale of personal tragedy but a narrative deeply entwined with the broader struggle for justice and human rights in Iran.

On the evening of September 31, 2021, as protests swept through Malard in response to widespread grievances against the government, Mohammad’s home inadvertently became a sanctuary for protesters fleeing the harsh crackdown by security forces. This act of unintended involvement drew the ire of the Revolutionary Guards, who targeted his residence under the cover of darkness, seeking retribution against those they perceived as opponents of the state. The events that unfolded were a chilling testament to the dangers faced by those who find themselves at the intersection of humanitarian compassion and authoritarian reprisal.

The security forces’ breach of Mohammad’s home was marked by violence and a blatant disregard for legal norms. Despite Mohammad’s attempts to protect his home and demand legal justification for the raid, he was met with brutal force. In a heartrending climax to the intrusion, he was shot at close range with a shotgun, a direct hit to the eye that proved fatal. This deliberate act of violence underscored the ruthless tactics employed by security personnel against civilians during periods of political turbulence.

The aftermath of Mohammad’s death was a protracted battle for justice led by his grieving family, who faced threats and intimidation from state authorities in their quest for accountability. The legal proceedings that followed were a convoluted journey through the military court system, which ultimately culminated in the sentencing of the primary assailant to death for the act of murder, along with various sentences for accomplices that ranged from imprisonment to fines. This legal outcome, while a partial vindication for the family, highlighted the systemic obstacles and the climate of fear that pervades the pursuit of justice in Iran.

Mohammad’s case, detailed through media reports and the testimonies of his family, brings to light the profound human cost of Iran’s political unrest. It is a stark reminder of the vulnerability of ordinary citizens in the face of state violence and the lengths to which authorities will go to suppress dissent. Mohammad Jamah-Bozorg’s story is a poignant chapter in the ongoing narrative of Iran’s struggle for justice and human rights, reflecting the enduring spirit of those who demand change in the face of overwhelming odds.

As the details of Mohammad’s life and death reverberate within and beyond Iran’s borders, they serve as a powerful call to action for advocates of human rights and justice worldwide. His legacy, marked by tragedy, also embodies the resilience of the human spirit and the unyielding demand for a society where the dignity and rights of all citizens are respected and protected.