Basij calls for Hejazi’s extradition

Hundreds of Basij members are expected to gather in front of the British Embassy in Tehran to call for the extradition of Arash Hejazi, the alleged witness of Neda Aghasoltan’s death during Iran’s post-election unrest.

“Female Basij members are scheduled to congregate in front of the British Embassy on Wednesday at 2:00 PM local time,” the Fars news agency reported.

The death by gunshot of 26-year-old Neda in central Tehran on June 20, amid the post-election unrest, has turned into a controversial issue.

Iranian authorities say the incident was ‘premeditated scenario’ to defame Iran.

Arash Hejazi, an Iranian physician currently studying in England, however, has told the BBC that he witnessed the incident and that a member of the Basij had intentionally shot Neda — a claim vehemently denied by the volunteer force.

According to Iran’s Police Chief, Brig. Gen. Esmail Ahmadi-Moqaddam, Hejazi is charged with helping the Western media embark upon psychological warfare against Iran.

Iranian authorities maintain that Hejazi’s extradition can help resolve many ambiguities regarding the tragic incident.