Eslamabad-e Gharb; Shirzad Balaei, 42-year-old Kurdish man from Shabad, identity of another of the January 8 victims killed by a live ammunition shot to the head

January 29, 2026; “Shirzad Balaei,” a 42-year-old Kurdish man from Eslamabad-e Gharb (Shabad), is the identity of another of the victims of the popular protests of January 8, 2026, in this city, who was killed by a direct shot of live ammunition to the “head” area by the repressive forces of the Islamic Republic.

An informed source, while confirming this news to Kurdpa, stated; On the evening of Thursday, January 8, 2026, around 9:00 PM, in front of the Eslamabad-e Gharb Governor’s Office , “Shirzad Balaei” was targeted by a direct and targeted shot of live ammunition to the head by the repressive forces of the Islamic Republic and lost his life instantly.

According to this source, from the very first hours, security agencies and the IRGC attempted to place the family under severe pressure and take his body, but the family did not allow the body to be removed from the village of “Cheshmeh-Khani.” Despite this, government institutions demanded money from the family, which was met with the family's explicit refusal.

Finally, by exerting intense pressure and obtaining commitments from several family members that the burial ceremony would be held at night, in silence, and without the presence of the public, the burial permit was issued.

Nevertheless, the body of “Shirzad Balaei” was buried on January 10, 2026, in the village of “Cheshmeh-Khani” with a widespread public presence and in a grand ceremony, during which attendees chanted slogans against the government.

“Shirzad Balaei” was married and had two children named “Ali” and “Kani.”