Transgender woman Mahshid Fallahi fatally stabbed in Sanandaj

Hengaw – Tuesday, June 2, 2026

Mahshid Fallahi, a 30-year-old transgender woman, was killed in a knife attack in Sanandaj (Sine) approximately two weeks ago. Her body remains unclaimed and is being held in one of the city's morgues.

Based on information obtained by Hengaw Organization for Human Rights, Fallahi had been rejected by her family and was homeless at the time of her death.

Sources told Hengaw that nearly two weeks after Fallahi’s killing, her family has yet to come forward to claim her remains.

Speaking to Hengaw on condition of anonymity, a social worker confirmed that no arrests have been made in connection with Fallahi’s death.

Hengaw Organization for Human Rights is also aware of Fallahi’s former legal name. However, like many transgender individuals undergoing gender transition, she had changed the name assigned to her at birth. Within transgender communities, a person's former name is often referred to as a “deadname.” While Hengaw records all relevant information for human rights documentation purposes, it strictly refrains from publishing or referring to transgender individuals by their deadnames.

Hengaw Organization for Human Rights continues to investigate and verify the circumstances surrounding this case. Individuals with credible and verifiable information regarding the killing of Mahshid Fallahi, the status of the investigation, or the identity of those potentially responsible are encouraged to share that information with Hengaw through secure communication channels.