Ebrahim Ketabdar

Ebrahim Ketabdar (February 17, 1990 – November 16, 2019) was an Iranian mechanic and car dealership owner who became one of the casualties during the November 2019 protests in Iran. He was fatally shot by security forces in the Mehdiabad district of Karaj, west of Tehran.

Early Life and Career

Born on February 17, 1990, in Tabriz, Iran, Ketabdar later moved to Karaj, where he established a car repair shop and dealership. He was married and had two daughters, aged four and two at the time of his death.

Death

On November 16, 2019, amid nationwide protests sparked by a sudden increase in fuel prices, Ketabdar was standing outside his workplace when he was struck in the heart by a bullet fired by security forces. Eyewitnesses reported that he was not participating in the protests at the time. (Iran Human Rights)

His mother, Sakineh Ahmadi, recounted that shortly after she called him to come home for lunch, she received news of his shooting. She described the chaotic scene, with security forces firing bullets and beating people indiscriminately.

Aftermath

Ketabdar's death certificate stated that a bullet struck his heart, noting the “absence of a fight.” The authorities handed over his body to the family after two days, but only after his father signed a pledge of silence. During the 40th-day memorial service, plain-clothed agents surrounded the family at his grave, intimidating attendees and suppressing expressions of solidarity.

His family's pursuit of justice has been met with threats and intimidation from security forces, reflecting the challenges faced by families seeking accountability for the deaths of their loved ones during the protests.

Legacy

Ketabdar's death highlights the broader issue of bystanders being killed due to security forces’ indiscriminate firing at civilians during the protests. His family's continued efforts to seek justice have drawn attention to the human rights violations that occurred during the November 2019 protests in Iran.