Accessibility links

Breaking News

Protesters Call For Extradition Of Neda Doctor


Arash Hejazi
Arash Hejazi
A group of Iranian women staged a protest today in Tehran, in front of the British embassy, calling for the extradition of an Iranian doctor, Arash Hejazi, who tried to save Neda Agha Soltan’s life after she was shot during a June protest in the Iranian capital.

Fars says the protesters are “Tehran ladies,” but earlier today Iran’s Press TV had reported that members of the Basij force were also expected to call for Hejazi’s extradition.

The amateur video of Neda’s last moments have been watched by millions of people around the world.

Hejazi, who has said that a member of the Basij force shot Neda, has come under fire from Iranian officials who accuse him of psychological warfare against the Islamic establishment.

Iranian authorities have described Neda’s death as “suspicious “ and said that it was a "premeditated scenario" to defame Iran.

The women protesting today described Hejazi as “the murderer of Neda” and said that he should be returned to Iran. Hejazi is currently studying in Britain.

An Iranian legislator, Zohreh Elahian, who participated in today’s protest said that Western countries are trying to create tension in Iran. She said that Neda was shot in the heart, which demonstrates that her killer was very professional. She added that an investigation by the Iranian authorities shows that “foreigners” planned Neda’s murder.

The semi-official Fars news agency has posted pictures of the protests.

Neda has become one of the most prominent icons of Iran’s green movement and her death has become an extremely sensitive issue for the Islamic establishment.

Meanwhile, Iran has condemned an Oxford University college for establishing a scholarship in memory of Neda and called it a "politically motivated" campaign that would undermine the scientific credibility of the university.

-- Golnaz Esfandiari

About This Blog

Written by RFE/RL editors and correspondents, Transmission serves up news, comment, and the odd silly dictator story. While our primary concern is with foreign policy, Transmission is also a place for the ideas -- some serious, some irreverent -- that bubble up from our bureaus. The name recognizes RFE/RL's role as a surrogate broadcaster to places without free media. You can write us at transmission+rferl.org

Latest Posts

XS
SM
MD
LG