Ashkan dreamed of becoming a software engineer and creating platforms that would give Iranians uncensored access to information. He wanted to develop Persian-language educational technology to help rural students access quality education. His vision was an Iran where technology empowered citizens rather than surveilled them.
Ashkan Sohrabi was a 20-year-old IT student at Tehran's Technical University who was shot three times in the chest by security forces on June 20, 2009. Known for his technical skills and passion for technology, Ashkan believed that access to information and technology could help democratize Iran. He joined the protests with fellow students, carrying only his phone to document the events. Despite being unarmed and peaceful, he was deliberately targeted and shot multiple times at close range, dying instantly on the street.
Technology will outlive tyranny - the future belongs to the connected generation
Ashkan's death galvanized Iran's tech-savvy youth and student community. His murder showed that the regime feared educated young people who understood how to use technology to spread information. His fellow IT students created encrypted networks and communication channels in his memory, helping protesters coordinate safely.
A 25-year-old graduate student from a conservative family whose death from torture exposed the horrors of Kahrizak detention center and led to its closure.
“His suffering exposed the horrors of Kahrizak”
A 24-year-old songwriter and technology student who became the first known victim to die at Kahrizak detention center. His music expressed hope for a democratic Iran.
“My songs will live on when tyranny falls”
An 18-year-old student who became the youngest known victim of Kahrizak detention center. His death highlighted the regime's brutality against Iran's youth.
“Tell my mother I died for freedom”
Their Path Continues
The memory of our eternal names lives in our hearts and will continue until Iran is free
Woman, Life, Freedom