Canadian authorities have formally charged two individuals with first-degree murder in the death of Masood Masjoody, a prominent Iranian dissident and former mathematics instructor, whose disappearance in early February culminated in the discovery of his remains in Mission, British Columbia last week.
The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) identified the accused as Mehdi Ahmadzadeh Razavi, 48, and Arezou Soltani, 45, both of whom appeared in court on Monday. While police confirmed the victim and suspects were acquainted and had engaged in social media disputes, the precise motive remains under active investigation.
RCMP spokesperson Freda Fong acknowledged the case’s profound impact on the Iranian-Canadian community, stating that the first-degree murder charges represent a significant development in the ongoing investigation. Both defendants lack prior criminal records in Canada, according to official sources.
Masjoody, 45, served on the board of the Iran Front for the Revival of Law and National Sovereignty, an organization dedicated to opposing Tehran’s regime. The group had expressed concern following his disappearance, highlighting his years of activism against what they described as ‘influence and intimidation networks’ connected to the Islamic Republic in diaspora communities.
Following the criminal charges, the organization issued a statement characterizing Masjoody’s death as a consequence of ‘political violence’ and ‘lawlessness,’ though Canadian authorities have not confirmed any political motivation behind the killing. The investigation began after neighbors reported unusual circumstances surrounding Masjoody’s disappearance, prompting a comprehensive police response that ultimately led to the murder charges.