Hengaw verifies identities of four more people killed during Bandar Abbas protests

Hengaw – Wednesday, January 21, 2026

The Hengaw Organization for Human Rights has verified the identities of four individuals who were killed by direct gunfire from Iranian government forces during protests in Bandar Abbas.
The victims have been identified as Esmail Ghalandarzehi, Seyed Ahmad Kazemi, Mehrshad Ragbar, and Mohammad-Amin Khatam. Among them was at least one Baloch man.

According to information received by Hengaw, Esmail Ghalandarzehi (also known as Kashani), a 21-year-old Boch man originally from Zahedan and a resident of Bandar Abbas, was shot in the head with live ammunition by government forces during protests in the city on Saturday night, January 10, 2026. He was killed on the spot.

Informed sources said that Esmail’s family was contacted by Persian Gulf Hospital. After the family received his body, transferred him to Zahedan, and buried him on January 12, 2026, at Mohammad Rasulollah Cemetery in his hometown.

Separately, Seyed Ahmad Kazemi, Mehrshad Ragbar, 26, and Mohammad-Amin Khatam, 20, residents of Bandar Abbas, were killed during protests in Memorial Square in the city on Friday, January 9, 2026.

Hengaw has learned that Mehrshad Ragbar and Mohammad-Amin Khatam, who were close friends, were riding a motorcycle when they were shot dead by government forces without any prior warning.

According to informed sources, authorities proposed to the families that their children be officially identified as “Basij members,” an offer the families rejected. In addition, the cause of death listed on Mehrshad Ragbar’s death certificate was recorded as a “heart attack,” and his father has been threatened in connection with this issue.