In a shocking act of defiance, Kianoosh Sanjari, a prominent Iranian human rights activist, took his own life to protest against the oppressive regime of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. His tragic decision has sparked conversations about the state of human rights in Iran and the dire consequences faced by those who oppose the government.
Sanjari’s final message came through a social media post where he issued an ultimatum demanding the release of four political prisoners by 19:00 local time. When the authorities failed to comply, he shared a poignant image overlooking a bustling intersection in Tehran, declaring, “My life will end after this tweet.” He expressed hope that Iranians would one day awaken from slavery and emphasized that “protest is the right of every Iranian citizen.”
Sanjari’s death was confirmed by fellow activists hours later, highlighting his role as a vocal critic of Iran’s leadership and a relentless advocate for democracy.
On the morning of his death, Sanjari named Fateme Sepehari, Nasreen Shakrami, Tomaj Salehi, and Arsham Rezaei as individuals unjustly imprisoned for their participation in recent protests. These protests erupted following the tragic death of Mahsa Amini in 2022 after her detention by Iran’s morality police. Sanjari’s commitment to activism led him to face multiple arrests between 1999 and 2007 before he sought asylum in Norway.
In 2016, he returned to Iran to be with family and was subsequently sentenced to 11 years in Evin Prison—known for housing political prisoners. Released on bail due to medical concerns in 2019, Sanjari later revealed harrowing experiences in psychiatric care, including electric shocks and forced confinement.
Freedom of speech activist Hossein Ronaghi lamented that “Kianoosh Sanjari is not just a name; it is a symbol of years of pain, resistance, and struggle for freedom.”
The loss of Kianoosh Sanjari serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing fight for human rights within Iran. As international attention shifts towards the region, many are left wondering what it will take for systemic change to occur.
The outpouring of grief and outrage following Sanjari’s death may serve as a catalyst for renewed activism among Iranians both at home and abroad. With continued global scrutiny on Iran’s treatment of dissidents and political prisoners, hope remains that stories like Sanjari’s will inspire further efforts towards democracy and freedom in the country.
Trump’s Tariff Plans: A Day-One Agenda Against Drug and Human Trafficking In a bold move to combat drug and human smuggling, President-elect Donald Trump has announced plans to impose significant tariffs on Mexico, Canada, and China immediately after his inauguration on January 20.
Government Unveils “Get Britain Working” Initiative to Combat Unemployment In a bid to rejuvenate the UK job market, the government has introduced its ambitious “Get Britain Working” initiative, promising extensive reforms aimed at reducing the benefits bill and increasing employment.