A somber vigil was held in Longueuil on Sunday to mark the one-year anniversary of the tragic death of Nooran Rezayi, who was shot and killed by police.
Family, friends, and community members gathered at the site where Rezayi was fatally shot by police on June 21, 2020. The 26-year-old woman was reportedly in distress and wielding a knife when police arrived at the scene. Despite attempts to de-escalate the situation, Rezayi was shot by officers and later pronounced dead at the hospital.
The vigil was organized by the Justice for Nooran Rezayi Committee, a group formed by Rezayi’s family and friends to seek justice for her death. The committee has been calling for an independent investigation into the incident, as well as for changes to the way police handle mental health crises.
During the vigil, Rezayi’s family and friends shared memories of her and spoke about the impact her death has had on their lives. They also called for accountability and transparency from the police and the government.
In a statement, the committee said, “We are here today to remember Nooran and to demand justice for her. We will not rest until we get answers and changes to the system that failed her.”
The vigil also included a moment of silence and a candlelight vigil in honor of Rezayi. Attendees also laid flowers and lit candles at the site where she was killed.
The tragic death of Nooran Rezayi has sparked conversations about police use of force and the treatment of individuals with mental health issues. The Justice for Nooran Rezayi Committee hopes that the vigil will bring attention to these important issues and lead to meaningful change.
As the one-year mark of Rezayi’s death passes, her family and friends continue to mourn her loss and seek justice for her. The committee has vowed to keep fighting until they get the answers and changes they are seeking.
The Longueuil Police Department has declined to comment on the incident, citing an ongoing investigation by Quebec’s independent police watchdog, the Bureau des enquêtes indépendantes (BEI). The BEI has not yet released its findings.
The vigil for Nooran Rezayi serves as a reminder of the need for accountability and transparency in cases of police use of force. It also highlights the importance of addressing mental health issues and providing proper support and resources for those in crisis. As the community continues to mourn the loss of Nooran Rezayi, the call for justice and change remains strong.
