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Bodybuilding champ Mehdi Zatparvar was killed during peaceful protests in Iran.<\/strong>\u00a0He lost his life on Friday Jan. 9, 2026, in the city of Rasht in Gilan province in northwestern Iran, as reported by a Norway-based human rights organization.\u00a0<\/p>\n Zatparvar was shot by Iranian government forces, according to CNN<\/a>. Peaceful protests<\/a> have been taking place across the country since late Dec. 2025. Thus far, it\u2019s unclear how many people have died in Iran, but early estimates suggest at least 500 protesters have lost their lives.\u00a0<\/p>\n Zatparvar made waves as an impressive bodybuilder<\/a>. He also coached athletes<\/a> to success in his spare time. Between physique updates, training<\/a> footage, and his time onstage, he became a local fan favorite in his home country.\u00a0<\/p>\n Before his death, Zatparvar was vocal on Instagram, sharing his resistance against the latest Iranian protest crackdown.\u00a0<\/p>\n I just want my right. A voice that has been silenced me for forty years must be shouted. This is me today\ud83d\udda4 Level Up Your Fitness: Join our \ud83d\udcaa strong community in Fitness Volt Newsletter. Get daily inspiration, expert-backed workouts, nutrition tips, the latest in strength sports, and the support you need to reach your goals. Subscribe for free!<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n Please wait…<\/p>\nMehdi Zatparvar, Bodybuilding Champion, Dies During Peaceful Protests in Iran\u00a0<\/h2>\n
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You are the cause of our days. You took away our youth, hopes, dreams and the minimums.<\/p>\n
I am here so that tomorrow I won\u2019t look at myself in the mirror and say that I had no vein, I had no honor. And I gave it, I will pay anything for it.
I, Massoud, Zatparvar, am on the floor of the street today, I have no fear, no worry! I want my right \u270c\ufe0fhe shared<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n