The Association de la Sépulture Musulmane au Québec (ASMQ) is arranging a memorial to honor the memory of 15-year-old Nooran Rezayi, who tragically lost his life during an intervention by Longueuil police (SPAL) last Sunday. The commemoration will be held on Saturday at 2 p.m. at Parc de Mille Fleur in Longueuil.
ASMQ, a group providing Muslim funeral services, expressed in a social media post that the vigil aims to show support for the victim’s family and condemn what they perceive as a wrongful act against the young individual.
Reflecting on the situation, Hadjira Belkacem, President and founder of ASMQ, shared with CityNews, “We never imagined that we’d be holding a vigil for a young boy who lost his life in an encounter with a law enforcement officer. It’s a tragic irony.”
Additionally, residents in Brossard are planning a peaceful gathering on Sunday to show solidarity.
In anticipation of the events, SPAL cautioned on Friday that there may be a small group of people attempting to instigate conflicts with police during the planned activities.
Inspector Gino Iannone, SPAL Executive Officer of the Communications and Media Relations Section, stated, “Our hope is for everything to proceed smoothly, without disruptions, threats, violence, or vandalism.”
Quebec Public Security Minister Ian Lafrenière voiced his concerns on Friday about the escalating tensions following Rezayi’s death, emphasizing the need for calm and urging support for the grieving family.
The tragic incident unfolded when Longueuil police responded to a 9-1-1 call regarding a group of armed individuals in the Saint-Hubert residential area, culminating in the fatal shooting of the teenager.
The investigation into the teen’s death is being carried out by Quebec’s police oversight body, the Bureau des enquêtes indépendantes (BEI). Additionally, Montreal police (SPVM) has launched a separate criminal inquiry to explore aspects outside the BEI’s jurisdiction.
