Hossein Radi, a 24-year-old diver and firefighter from Najafabad, Isfahan, had traveled to Armenia for work a few months before his death. His relatives state that he returned to his hometown a few days before the January protests to visit his family. Radi's life revolved around the depths of water and the heart of fire. On his Instagram page, he wrote about the unknown beauties of the sea, its silence, darkness, and the necessity of holding one's breath to survive. His friends describe him as having a calm yet brave spirit, someone who ventured into danger but also enjoyed solitude and silence. Diving was not just a skill for him; it was a part of his outlook on life.
On January 9, 2026, he chose to be in the streets. Radi joined the crowd of protesters on Mirdamad Street in Najafabad. While attempting to shield several young protesters from security forces, he was shot from above a mosque. Two military bullets struck his chest. His friends urgently took him to Hatef Clinic, but he was not admitted. He was then transferred to Montazeri Hospital. There, his body was secretly abducted by government forces, and his family had no information about his fate for several days. During this period, according to his relatives, calls were made to the family, claiming that Hossein was alive and in detention, a narrative that only led to further confusion and psychological distress. Finally, after approximately one week, his body was returned to his family under specific conditions and after they signed a commitment.
Hossein grew up in a family with a history of involvement in the Iran-Iraq war; his uncle was killed in the war, and his father was also injured.