Posted 12:24 PM by Mehran Baharlı

A well-respected tribal leader, Mohammad Reza Baharlou was murdered.

The Baharlou tribe is based in the city of Darab, some three hours outside of Shiraz. On hearing of the tribal leader's death, the whole city of Darab went into mourning, family members told the younger Baharlou.

VOA Producer's father murdered in Iran (Serial 5202)

A well-respected tribal leader, whose son produces in Washington the Voice of America's Farsi-language television broadcasts into Iran, was murdered last month by unknown assailants, who broke into his house, tied him up, and staged a burglary.

The family learned of the murder on Oct. 22, several days after it occurred.

80-year old Mohammad Reza Baharlou was in his home in Shiraz with a cleaning woman, who apparently let the burglars in the front door, on the day he was killed. "This happened in broad daylight, at 11 AM," said Ahmad Reza Baharlou, a Voice of America television producer. "Those who murdered him had inside information, and knew how to get into the house. My father never suspected a thing."

The elder Baharlou was a sportsman and was in such good shape "we couldn't keep up with him," his son said. "It's hard to imagine anyone wanting to kill him, he was so well-liked. I just can't see the motivation."

The Baharlou tribe is based in the city of Darab, some three hours outside of Shiraz. On hearing of the tribal leader's death, the whole city of Darab went into mourning, family members told the younger Baharlou.

Opposition leader Manoucher Ganji, who heads the Flag of Freedom Organization which ran opposition broadcasts into Iran for more than 10 years, called the murder an act of intimidation by the regime. "This was a political assassination," Ganji said. "It was a clear effort to intimidate Mr. Baharlou, who has interviewed the son of General Rezai on his television program." Ahmad Rezai, the former Pasdaran commander's 22-year old son, defected to the United States earlier this year, but recently has disappeared (see separate story below).

Baharlou said he was less convinced that his father's murder was a political act. "I cannot believe this. I've been doing the show for two years. They knew they could not pressure my father in this way. Our family is too influential. In our part of the world, they wouldn't dare to do this. I hope there is no connection."

Asked if he felt intimidated by the murder, Baharlou said no. "I will do my show tomorrow," he said. "I knew he wanted me to do it, and I will do it."