Was doctor Rashid Buttar, a controversial medical figure who spoke out against COVID-19 vaccines, murdered because of his activism and beliefs? While still unclear, it is highly unlikely: Buttar had previously announced that he was suffering from heart condition and spent time in intensive care before passing away. The cause of death was not made public, but there is no evidence to support a foul play.
The story originated from Buttar's own claims that something was going to happen to him, as seen in a video published on TikTok by @lunetistul69 on May 22, 2023, (archived here) with following title:
Dr. Rashid Buttar was poisoned on May 18, 2023!!!
This is what the post looked like on TikTok at the time of writing:
(Source: TikTok screenshot taken on Tue Jun 20 12:36:21 2023 UTC)
Dr Rashid Buttar was a well-known conspiracy theorist who spread numerous false narratives about the effects of COVID-19 vaccines. He died on May 18, after spending several weeks in intensive care. He had previously announced that he was suffering from a heart condition.
Days before his death, he claimed he was being poisoned with "200 times the amount of what's in the vaccinations," without giving any proof. Some of Buttar's friends and supporters have suggested foul play, tapping into a conspiracy theory that prominent advocates for "medical freedom" are being killed by sinister forces. Others have observed his symptoms are well-documented side effects of COVID-19, which could have caused his death. "No official cause has been released," according to Stuff.co.nz.
