By Canadian Press

Supreme Court sides with naturopath in manslaughter, negligence case

Nov 14, 2019 | 8:16 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.

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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