Kian Pirfalak: The Child Martyr of the “Woman, Life, Freedom” Movement
Kian Pirfalak (July 8, 2013 – November 16, 2022) was a nine-year-old Iranian boy who was shot and killed by security forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran during the nationwide protests following the death of Mahsa Amini. His killing in Izeh, Khuzestan Province, became one of the most heartbreaking symbols of the brutality of the Iranian regime against innocent civilians.
A Bright and Curious Child
Kian was a bright, curious, and creative child with a deep love for science and engineering. In a widely circulated video recorded before his death, he can be seen proudly explaining his homemade boat project, saying:
“In the name of the God of rainbows,”
a phrase that became a powerful symbol of innocence and hope in contrast to the darkness of his tragic killing.
Killing and Government Cover-Up
On November 16, 2022, Kian was in the car with his parents and younger brother when security forces opened fire on their vehicle. His father, Meysam Pirfalak, was severely injured, and Kian was shot multiple times and killed. The Iranian regime falsely claimed that terrorists were responsible for his murder, but eyewitness accounts, as well as Kian’s mother, Zeinab Molaei, publicly refuted this narrative, stating unequivocally that government forces fired the deadly shots.
Despite pressure from the authorities, Kian’s family refused to be silenced, and his funeral turned into a mass protest against the regime. The phrase “In the name of the God of rainbows”, which Kian had once joyfully used, became a rallying cry for justice in Iran and beyond.
Legacy and Symbol of Resistance
Kian Pirfalak’s tragic death shook the Iranian nation and further fueled the “Woman, Life, Freedom” movement. His image, along with his words, became a universal symbol of the innocence of the victims of state violence. His family has continued to seek justice for his killing, despite harassment and intimidation by the authorities.
To this day, Kian Pirfalak remains a symbol of the courage of Iranian children and families who stand against oppression, ensuring that his name, memory, and the fight for justice will never be forgotten.
