Brothers Declare Innocence in Iranian New Year Brawl
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NEWPORT BEACH — Two brothers from Reseda pleaded not guilty Tuesday to charges that they attacked a group of people Sunday at an Iranian New Year’s event at an Irvine park.
Jahad Afridi, 26, and Said Afridi, 23, were charged in Municipal Court in Newport Beach with two counts each of assault and civil rights violations. Bail was set at $50,000 apiece.
The incident occurred in William R. Mason Regional Park where more than 10,000 people were celebrating Sez-deh Bedar, the last day of the Iranian holiday, Norouz.
Just before 7 p.m., the attackers approached a crowd of celebrants and began beating them, according to Irvine Police Lt. Tom Hume. They kicked and punched five men while saying that outsiders didn’t belong at the event, Hume said.
Police arrested Abedi Mohammad, 20, of Woodland Hills, the Afridis and two juveniles. Mohammad was released on bail pending his arraignment.
All of the victims, whose names are being withheld, were treated at the scene and released.
A videotape of part of the incident was turned over to police. A judge will decide whether the contents of the tape can be released.
The Afridis’ preliminary hearings are to begin April 17.
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