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Supreme Court sides with naturopath in manslaughter, negligence case

Nov 14, 2019 | 9:17 AM

OTTAWA — The Supreme Court of Canada says a Quebec naturopath is not guilty of manslaughter or criminal negligence in the death of an elderly man.

Roger Matern, an 84-year-old with heart disease, visited Mitra Javanmardi’s clinic in 2008 at the suggestion of friend.

After discussing his condition, Javanmardi gave him nutrients intravenously and he returned home but died a short time later in hospital due to contamination of a vial used during the nutrient injection. 

Javanmardi was charged with unlawful-act manslaughter and criminal negligence causing death.

A judge acquitted her on both counts, ruling that Javanmardi had the necessary skills to administer intravenous injections, even if she was not authorized to do so under Quebec law.

The Quebec Court of Appeal overturned the manslaughter acquittal, finding Javanmardi guilty on that count, and ordered a new trial on the charge of criminal negligence.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 14, 2019.

The Canadian Press

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