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Tragic End to a New Beginning: The Murder of Baran Abed and Its Impact on the Iranian Community in St. John's
Baran Abed and Mahdi Pourbaghi, a couple married for over a decade, had recently embarked on a new chapter in Canada. Their journey took a devastating turn when Abed's body was discovered in a suitcase, leaving the Iranian community in St. John’s grappling with shock and sorrow.
The couple’s social media presence painted a picture of happiness; vibrant photos captured moments of joy, including Abed smiling beneath cherry blossoms and the pair enjoying walks by the harbor. However, beneath this facade lay an impending tragedy that would culminate in Abed's murder this summer.
The grim discovery of her remains near Water Street sent ripples of disbelief through the community. Authorities revealed that Pourbaghi was also found dead, leading to suspicions that he was responsible for his wife’s death. This revelation has left many questioning how someone perceived as loving could commit such an act.
Maryam Hajheidari, a board member of the Newfoundland and Labrador Iran Alliance, expressed the community's pain: “This tragedy has deeply shaken our community.” The alliance is actively raising funds to repatriate Abed’s body to Iran, as they struggle to reconcile the man they knew with the horrific act he allegedly committed.
Pourbaghi, 34, was not only pursuing a PhD in bioinformatics but also hosted a popular true-crime podcast that delved into violent crimes. The chilling nature of his final episode, which included disturbing narratives about murder, has raised unsettling parallels with the events surrounding Abed’s death. In that episode, he spoke of his fascination with violence and described hypothetical scenarios involving murder.
Abed had arrived in Canada just two months prior on a spousal work permit, eager to build a life with her husband. Yet, their relationship appeared strained upon her arrival. Friends noted that Pourbaghi had kept his marriage private until Abed joined him in St. John’s.
Despite their seemingly happy public appearances, there were underlying tensions that remained largely unspoken. The community's collective grief is compounded by the realization that many were unaware of the couple's struggles.
Hajheidari shared insights into Abed's journey as an immigrant seeking a better life, highlighting the heartbreak of her untimely death just as she began to settle into her new home. “To see her life end in such a tragic way... is truly heartbreaking,” she said.
Efforts to repatriate Abed’s body have encountered obstacles; a GoFundMe campaign aimed at raising funds for her return was temporarily taken down due to platform requirements for additional information. The Iranian community is collaborating with Pand Settlement Services to navigate these challenges amidst strained diplomatic relations between Canada and Iran.
Sobia Shaikh, a community organizer focused on immigrant women’s issues, emphasized the broader implications of this tragedy. She noted that many immigrant women face isolation and lack access to vital support networks. “When you don’t have that time to connect... you lose the protection that comes with it,” she explained.
The circumstances surrounding Abed’s death highlight critical gaps in support for newcomers facing intimate partner violence. Shaikh pointed out that while resources exist, they are often inaccessible due to language barriers and limited outreach.
The grim discovery of Abed's body on July 16 marked a turning point for those who knew her. As investigations continue into Pourbaghi's suspected role in her death, the Iranian community remains focused on ensuring that Abed is returned home to her family, a gesture they believe is essential for closure.