Two Men Face First-Degree Murder Charges in Death of SFU Professor Masood Masjoody
Two men have been formally charged with first-degree murder in the tragic death of Masood Masjoody, a mathematics professor at Simon Fraser University and a prominent Iranian activist known for his criticism of the Tehran regime. The charges mark a significant development in a case that has deeply affected both the academic community and Iranian diaspora in Canada.
Investigation and Arrests
Masood Masjoody, a 45-year-old resident of Burnaby, was reported missing on February 2, prompting an immediate investigation by the Burnaby RCMP. Concerned neighbors had alerted authorities to his disappearance, which was quickly deemed suspicious and out of character for the professor.
The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) took over the case, uncovering evidence that pointed to homicide. On March 6, Masjoody's body was discovered in Mission, British Columbia, confirming the worst fears of his family and colleagues.
On Friday, March 14, 2024, arrests were made in connection with the murder. Mehdi Ahmadzadeh Razavi, a 48-year-old from Maple Ridge, and Arezou Soltani, a 45-year-old from North Vancouver, were each charged with one count of first-degree murder. According to IHIT spokesperson Sgt. Freda Fong, both accused individuals were known to Masjoody personally.
Community Impact and Ongoing Investigation
Sgt. Fong acknowledged the profound impact this case has had on the Iranian community, stating, "We understand this case has impacted the Iranian community and has generated widespread concern and public interest." She emphasized that while the charges represent a crucial milestone, the prosecution process is just beginning, and much work remains ahead.
Due to the matter now being before the courts, no further details about the investigation or evidence will be released at this time. However, police are actively examining whether Masjoody's activism and outspoken criticism of the Iranian regime could be connected to his death.
Masjoody's Activism and Concerns
Masood Masjoody was not only a respected academic but also a vocal online activist who repeatedly raised alarms about connections between individuals in Canada and the Iranian regime, particularly the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. While teaching mathematics at Simon Fraser University, he identified what he believed were links between certain individuals at the university and Iranian regime programs involving ballistic missile and nuclear-related work.
In 2021, Masjoody wrote a letter to then-Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, warning about Iranian regime programs operating in sensitive engineering and technology fields within Canadian institutions. He expressed concerns that technologies developed in Canada could potentially be transferred to Iran for nefarious purposes, echoing warnings from former CSIS Director David Vigneault about hostile foreign governments targeting academic institutions for technology transfer.
The case continues to unfold as the judicial process moves forward, with the community awaiting answers about the circumstances surrounding the professor's death.
