Two charged in death of anti-Iranian regime activist in Canada

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Ana Faguy

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Canadian officials have charged two people with murder in what they have called a “targeted incident” that led to the death of an Iranian regime critic, generating widespread concern in the Canadian-Iranian community.

The remains of Masood Masjoody, 45, a former university math instructor, were found last week in Mission, British Columbia. He had been missing since early February.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) said Mehdi Ahmadzadeh Razavi, 48, and Arezou Soltani, 45, have been charged with one count of first-degree murder in the death. They were due in court on Monday.

Police said the motive is under investigation but noted the three had disputes and exchanges on social media.

Officials launched an investigation after receiving reports from concerned neighbours and determining that Masjoody’s disappearance was out of character.

They did not provide further information about how Masjoody’s remains were discovered or exactly where they were found.

“We understand this case has impacted the Iranian community and has generated widespread concern and public interest,” said Freda Fong, spokesperson for the RCMP’s homicide investigations team. “While the motive is still under investigation, we can say the victim and two accused were known to each other.”

Fong said the laying of first-degree murder charges “marks a significant milestone and reflects the hard work undertaken over the past several weeks; however, much work remains as the prosecution process begins.”

Neither Ahmadzadeh Razavi nor Soltani had a criminal record in Canada, she added.

Masjoody was reportedly an outspoken critic of the Iranian regime who police previously described as someone “known for his online presence”.

He served as a board member of the Iran Front for the Revival of Law and National Sovereignty, an anti-regime group.

When he disappeared, the group released a statement saying they were concerned and noting he had devoted years to exposing “influence and intimidation networks linked to the Islamic Republic within the host countries of Iranian communities”.

After his remains were found and the suspects charged, the group claimed Masjoody had become a victim of “lawlessness” and “political violence”.

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