Sahel Nasiri, a 19-year-old from Zibakenar in Gilan Province, was shot and killed by police on the Friday night, May 2, 2025. According to Hyrcani Humam Rights Media, Nasiri and his friend Benyamin Gholami were sitting near their motorcycle by the beach in Zibakenar when they were approached by officers from the local police station for a search. After finding nothing suspicious, the officers attempted to confiscate the motorcycle. When the young men resisted, Nasiri got on the motorcycle, prompting one officer to place a gun to his head and threaten to shoot. The officer then fired two bullets into Nasiri’s head, killing him on the spot.

The police took Nasiri's body to the station and arrested his friend, Benyamin Gholami. Nasiri was the only son of a farming family who reportedly cannot afford to pursue legal action regarding their son's death.

The killing has sparked outrage among local residents. Protesters gathered in front of the Zibakenar police station, burning government banners. Security forces violently dispersed the demonstrators and suppressed the protests. After hours of unrest, authorities finally handed over Nasiri’s body to his family, and he was buried on Saturday, May 3, in his hometown.

The police later claimed that the two young men were carrying drugs and had attempted to disarm the officers during the inspection—an allegation that in any case does not justify the direct shooting and killing of a civilian during a search.

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