A Promising Young Student and Athlete, Taken Too Soon
Behnaz Afshari, a vibrant 23-year-old from Pakdasht, near Tehran, was known for her cheerful spirit, dedication, and love for sports.
An accomplished student, she ranked 22nd in Iran’s national university entrance exams and was in her third year studying architecture at Iran’s National Skills University. A talented athlete, she was also a member of the Esteghlal Jonoob Tehran women’s futsal team.
On October 26, 2022, Behnaz Afshari was tragically shot by security forces at Shariati University in Tehran. Her body was found five days later in a morgue at the medical examiner’s office.
Security agents told her family that she had taken her own life in a hotel—a claim her family firmly rejected. They insisted she had no history of mental health issues and pointed to her active role in the 2022 protests as evidence of her commitment to change.
Behnaz Afshari’s passing has left a deep void, a tragic reminder of a bright young life cut short in the struggle for freedom. She is remembered as a determined and spirited individual who dreamed of a better future for her country.
