VANCOUVER – An affidavit by Rosita Fatemi sheds light on a troubling incident involving Arezou Soltani and Mehdi Ahmadzadeh Razavi that transpired in a parking lot at Park Royal mall in West Vancouver, which is a central hub for British Columbia's Iranian community. The affidavit detailed a meeting between Fatemi and her fellow directors of a B.C. non-profit society opposed to the Iranian regime, convened to discuss a lawsuit filed by activist Masood Masjoody. Masjoody had accused Soltani and Razavi of being aligned with the Iranian dictatorship.
During the meeting, Fatemi claims Razavi confronted her about allegedly communicating with Masjoody and confiscated her phone when she attempted to deny the accusations. Moreover, Fatemi alleges that Soltani expressed a desire to “silence” someone in a way that would appear “natural” and inquired about obtaining a drug substance to “get rid of” the plaintiff, Masjoody. Fatemi interpreted this conversation as a suggestion to murder him.
This unsettling affidavit was filed in conjunction with Masjoody's lawsuit against Soltani, Razavi, the foundation they are associated with, and others on January 28, 2026. Just five days later, Masjoody was reported missing by neighbors in Burnaby, B.C. His remains were subsequently found in Mission, B.C., on March 6, 2026. Following these events, both Razavi and Soltani were charged with first-degree murder in connection with his death; however, the specific cause of death has not been disclosed by authorities.
The allegations surrounding Masjoody’s demise are compounded by a lengthy legal history involving him, characterized by multiple lawsuits that had rendered him a “vexatious litigant” in the eyes of the court for his extensive legal filings. He was an outspoken critic of both the Islamic regime of Iran and factions within the Iranian diaspora, particularly those supporting exiled former crown prince Reza Pahlavi. Masjoody had even accused Pahlavi of defamation, to which Pahlavi denied any knowledge of or involvement with him.
Masjoody’s litigious nature had led to numerous legal encounters and conflicts with various individuals, including Razavi and Soltani, as well as former colleagues at Simon Fraser University and others in the activist community. The non-profit organization, the Canadian Iranian Wakuppers Foundation, associated with Soltani and registered to her home address in North Vancouver, aims to “identify and expose” individuals and activities linked to the Iranian regime, as outlined in its constitution. It promotes the support of those affected by Iran’s governance in Canada and seeks to raise awareness regarding the influence of associated groups.
The foundation was formed in June 2023, according to documents obtained by The Canadian Press. However, Fatemi noted in her affidavit that she had not been involved in its daily operations since late 2023. Masjoody had previously included the foundation, Soltani, and Razavi as defendants in his various litigations.
Sergeant Freda Fong, spokesperson for B.C.’s Integrated Homicide Investigation Team, addressed inquiries concerning Masjoody’s disputes with the accused, stating that the police were aware of ongoing civil disputes and social media exchanges between Masjoody and the suspects. It was emphasized that the investigation into the motive behind the homicide remains active.
Fatemi, a naturopathic doctor residing in North Vancouver, has chosen not to comment further on her affidavit, according to a response received during a visit to her home. Razavi and Soltani made a brief court appearance via video on March 16, with their next court date scheduled for March 25, 2026. The developments surrounding this case continue to unfold amidst a backdrop of legal disputes and allegations that have deeply affected the Iranian community in Canada.
