Karaj, Iran – The memory of Sevda, a 16-year-old girl with a fierce spirit and unwavering belief in a free Iran, fuels her mother Sameera’s determination even as she rebuilds her life in northern Iraq. Sevda was killed by gunfire during protests in January, becoming another casualty in the ongoing struggle against the Islamic Republic. Her death, and the grief it unleashed, has unexpectedly led Sameera to a newfound faith, offering a measure of peace amidst unimaginable loss. The story of a daughter lost to the fight for freedom, and a mother’s journey toward spiritual rebirth, underscores the human cost of political repression and the enduring power of hope.
The protests that claimed Sevda’s life erupted as demonstrations spread across Iran, defying the authority of the regime. On January 19th, Sameera recalls, the government issued orders to suppress the unrest with force. Despite the clear danger, thousands took to the streets in Karaj, demanding change. “It was a terrible day when the Islamic Republic government issued orders to shoot protesters in the face,” Sameera said. “Still, so many people took to the streets.”
A Daughter’s Courage in the Face of Risk
Knowing the potential consequences, Sameera and Sevda prepared for the worst. They left their phones at home, understanding they risked arrest or death. Sevda, though, showed no fear. “She was incredibly brave,” Sameera recounted. “She spoke with complete courage until her last breath. She fought. She chanted. She yelled. She went right to the front of the crowd, confronting men who had guns in their hands.”
The confrontation was tragically brief. Moments later, Sevda was struck by a bullet. “They shot her in the heart. The bullet hit her, and she died instantly,” Sameera said, her voice heavy with sorrow. Video footage circulating online, though graphic, appears to show Iranian security forces firing upon unarmed protesters during the same period.
Sevda’s death wasn’t an isolated incident. Her family had been actively involved in previous protest movements, including those sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini in 2022, and the subsequent “Women, Life, Freedom” movement. “We also took part in the ‘Women, Life, Freedom’ protests for Mahsa Amini,” Sameera explained. “So many people lost their lives during those protests. At the time, Sevda was only 13, and she really, really loved being in the crowd.”
“Remember Me on the Day of Freedom”
Sevda had consistently urged her mother to participate in the protests, believing it was a necessary act of defiance. “There were many times when she urged me to move to the streets. She begged me to come with her. She insisted. She said we had to demonstrate on behalf of those who had lost their lives,” Sameera said. Even more poignantly, Sevda had spoken to her mother about the possibility of her own death, expressing a fervent hope for a future free Iran. “She would often say, ‘I would love it if people were free one day.’ She would also say, ‘If anything happens to me, remember me on the day of freedom.’”
Following Sevda’s death, Sameera fled Iran, seeking refuge in northern Iraq. There, amidst her grief, she encountered a community of faith that would profoundly change her life. “I wasn’t a very religious Muslim growing up. I didn’t really accept Shia Islam,” she explained. “However, I was always curious about Jesus Christ. I knew something about Jesus Christ from watching videos on Instagram but I never thought I would have an encounter like this.”
Finding Peace Through Faith
At a small house church in northern Iraq, Sameera made the decision to be baptized. The act, she says, brought a sense of peace she hadn’t known before. “Since finding Christ, many quality things have come into my life. I feel a special peace, and I have entrusted my life and my destiny to Him.” Even in the midst of enduring pain, she finds solace in her faith. “Today, even though I am enduring a great deal, I feel a deep and special peace because of Christ.”
Sameera is determined that her daughter’s sacrifice will not be forgotten. She views the Islamic Republic as a destructive force that must be overthrown. “The Islamic Republic is a cancer, it really is a cancer, and someone has to destroy it. Has to kill it. If that doesn’t happen, I will be deeply saddened. Accept anything less, because we have lost so many young people, and they are still being executed today.” She expressed gratitude for the support of figures like former U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, stating, “I am very grateful to President Trump and Netanyahu. I always pray for them and will continue to do so for the rest of my life.”
She continues to advocate for international intervention to end the regime’s rule. “I desire to see the Islamic Republic overthrown, and I will keep fighting for that until my last breath.” Sameera’s voice, though filled with sorrow, remains resolute. She will continue to speak out, ensuring that Sevda’s memory serves as a beacon for the ongoing struggle for freedom in Iran.
The situation in Iran remains volatile, with ongoing reports of protests and crackdowns by security forces. Human Rights Watch continues to document human rights abuses committed by the Iranian government. The international community faces ongoing challenges in addressing the crisis and supporting the Iranian people’s aspirations for a more democratic future.
If you are feeling overwhelmed or distressed by the events in Iran, or are experiencing grief and loss, resources are available. You can reach the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741, or call the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) helpline at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264).
Sameera’s story is a testament to the enduring spirit of those fighting for freedom and the transformative power of faith in the face of unimaginable loss. As she continues to advocate for change, her daughter’s memory will undoubtedly inspire others to join the call for a free Iran, and the next steps in that struggle will be closely watched by the international community.
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