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[CRIME] · Iran · 2 sources

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Tehran authorities discover body of eulogist Hamid Rajabzadeh

Authorities in Iran have discovered the body of Hamid Rajabzadeh, a 30-year-old religious eulogist, in the outskirts of Tehran. Rajabzadeh had been missing for approximately two weeks before his remains were located and sent to forensic medicine for examination.

Police have arrested five suspects, including one woman identified as the primary suspect. Reports indicate the victim was allegedly lured to a secluded location, incapacitated with poisoned food, and then killed with multiple stab wounds. The suspects reportedly moved the body to the deserts near Parand, where they filmed the crime and set the remains on fire.

Conflicting narratives have emerged regarding the motive. While some initial reports suggested political involvement, recent investigations and media reports suggest the killing may have stemmed from a dispute involving the victim's attempts to enforce social norms, specifically regarding hijab and political conduct, against a female social media blogger. The suspects allegedly filmed the crime and sent the footage to various networks in exchange for payment.

Entities

Hamid Rajabzadeh · Law Enforcement Command of the Islamic Republic of Iran · Tehran Criminal Prosecutor's Office