Iranian Photographer Mehdi Tavakoli Killed by IRGC Along with Mother and Sister

On July 26, 2026, Iranian security personnel shot and killed Mehdi Tavakoli, a 37-year-old photographer, along with his mother and sister while they were traveling between Marivan and Sanandaj. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) opened fire on their vehicle unexpectedly, resulting in the deaths of all three individuals. Tavakoli, known for documenting Kurdish culture and humanitarian issues, had faced multiple detentions by Iranian authorities in 2016, 2017, and 2022. He established the Chaw art house and the Kurdistan Photographers' House in Sanandaj, where he guided over 300 photographers. Sources from IranWire reported that the IRGC pressured the family to label the incident as a car accident, which they refused. A Rudaw English source indicated that the family is under severe security pressure and has received threats against engaging with the media. Just a week prior to the shooting, Tavakoli had endured over five hours of questioning by Iran's intelligence office. His work included documenting Kurdish refugees fleeing ISIS in 2014 and participating in 20 group and 8 solo exhibitions, including one in Toronto. This incident occurred shortly after photographer Tahmineh Monzavi was sentenced to 74 lashes for capturing an image of a singer without a headscarf.