Abdorrahman Boroumand Center

for Human Rights in Iran

https://www.iranrights.org
Omid, a memorial in defense of human rights in Iran
One Person’s Story

Mahmud Reza Tirgari

About

Age: 22
Nationality: Iran
Religion: Presumed Muslim
Civil Status: Unknown

Case

Date of Killing: February 17, 2004
Location of Killing: Bandar Gaz, Mazandaran Province, Iran
Mode of Killing: Unspecified execution method
Charges: Armed robbery

About this Case

The news of the execution of Mahmud-reza Tirgari and another individual was published on the websites of both the Sharqnewspaper on February 18, 2004, and theJomhuri Eslaminewspaper on November 24, 2003.

Arrest and detention

According to theJomhuri Eslaminewspaper, four armed men robbed a jewelry store in Bandar Gaz, killing the owner before they escaped with valuables from the store. The police set up road blocks in the vicinity of the store in order to find and arrest the criminals. According to theSharqnewspaper, when the three robbers found themselves surrounded by the police, they started shooting. During the gun fight, two of the robbers were killed and a third, named Mahmud, was injured. He was taken to the hospital and survived. After a few days of searching, a fourth member of the gang, Mehdi, was found and arrested.

Trial

According to theSharqnewspaper, the trial was held in Branch One of the Public Court in Bandar Gaz. The case was referred to Branch 32 of the Supreme Court.

Charges

According to theJomhuri Eslaminewspaper, the charges against Maumud Reza Tirgari were announced as "participation in an armed robbery resulting in manslaughter, possession of an illegal gun, and fighting with police, and consumption of alcohol." The media quoted the Public Prosecutor of the Revolutionary Court and the Head of Branch One of the Public Court of Bandar Gaz saying: "On September 21, 2003, four armed robbers, carrying Kelashinkof and two colts, entered a jewelry store, then shot and killed the owner, Abdollah Mas'udi. Then, they took 7 kilograms gold, 133 Bank notes, and 19 checks and escaped by car."

Evidence of guilt

According to theSharqnewspaper, in addition to the murder and robbery of the jewelry store, the gang was also sued by 16 people from various provinces. The media reports do not indicate specifically if these people sued this particular defendant.

Defense

No information is available on Mr. Mehdi Ghasemi Kia's defense.

Judgment

According to theSharqnewspaper, the court condemned Mr. Mahmud Tirgari to death for participation in armed robbery resulting in manslaughter and the Supreme Court confirmed the ruling. He was also condemned to 10 years imprisonment and 74 lashes for violent robberies; 3 years imprisonment for attacking police; 10 years imprisonment because of possession of a gun; 3 years imprisonment for breaking the windows of Hgavamin institution; and one year imprisonment and payment of blood money for injuring a police officer. He was executed in the main square of Bandar Gaz on February 17, 2004.

Correct/ Complete This Entry