The International Organisation to Preserve Human Rights expresses its deep concern regarding the murder of Dr Masood Masjoody, a researcher, former university lecturer in Canada, and a prominent board member of the Iran Front for the Revival of Law and National Sovereignty. The Organisation emphasises that the full clarification of the truth behind this crime is of fundamental importance for ensuring justice and safeguarding the security of civil and academic activists.
According to reports released by Canadian police authorities, Dr Masjoody, who had been reported missing in February, was later identified as the victim of a deliberate homicide. In connection with this case, two individuals, Arzoo Soltani and Mehdi Ahmadzadeh, have been arrested and charged with first-degree murder. Due to its nature, as well as Dr Masjoody’s public and critical activities, the case has attracted considerable attention among the Iranian diaspora and human rights advocates.
While condemning this crime, the International Organisation to Preserve Human Rights underscores the necessity of a thorough, independent, and transparent investigation into all aspects of the case. In this regard, a careful examination of potential motives, prior relationships between the victim and the accused, and any factors or networks that may have contributed to the commission of this crime is essential.
Accordingly, the Organisation calls upon all political parties, associations, movements, and political and human rights activists to give serious attention to this matter and to examine the dimensions and underlying causes of the murder of this law-oriented thinker and mathematician. It further notes that the legal and judicial responsibility for this tragic crime is not limited to the direct perpetrators; those who ordered or instigated the act must also be identified and held accountable through appropriate legal and public processes.
This represents a threat that may extend to all political and human rights activists, and the tragic fate of Dr Masood Masjoody serves as a serious warning in this regard. It is therefore imperative that this risk be taken seriously both by judicial and legal institutions in the countries where such activists reside and by the activists themselves.
The Organisation also emphasises the importance of transparent communication with the public and with the victim’s family, and calls on Canadian judicial and police authorities to pursue this case with diligence, impartiality, and in full accordance with the rule of law.
The International Organisation to Preserve Human Rights affirms that the safety of researchers, academics, and civil activists must be guaranteed in all societies, and that any threat, violence, or physical elimination of individuals on the basis of their views or activities constitutes a clear violation of fundamental human rights principles.
While expressing its condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Dr Masjoody, the Organisation stresses that the pursuit of truth and the administration of justice in this case are essential not only for the victim’s family, but also for maintaining public trust in the justice system and the security of society.