MUSLIM GROUPS URGE ‘ZERO TOLERANCE’ FOR DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
CAIR-CAN: ‘Strongest possible prosecution’ for strangulation of Aqsa Parvez
– For Immediate Release –
(Ottawa, Canada – December 11, 2007) – The Canadian Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-CAN), the Islamic Social Services Association (ISSA) and the Islamic Society of Toronto today urged “zero tolerance” for violence against women and domestic abuse. The Muslim groups are calling on Canadians of all faiths to address the realities of domestic violence.
CAIR-CAN and ISSA are also asking for the strongest possible prosecution in the strangulation death of 16-year-old Aqsa Parvez, a Mississauga teen allegedly attacked by her father.
SEE: Teen Dead After Alleged Attack By Father
“There should be zero tolerance for violence of any kind against women or girls,” said ISSA President Shahina Siddiqui. “The strangulation death of Ms. Parvez was the result of domestic violence, a problem that cuts across Canadian society and is blind to color or creed.”
“Muslims and Canadians of all faiths need to reflect on the realities of domestic abuse and take concrete steps to eliminate violence against women,” said CAIR-CAN representative Selma Djukic.
“We call for the strongest possible prosecution of Ms. Parvez’s alleged attacker,” said CAIR-CAN Legal Counsel Faisal Kutty.
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CONTACT: ISSA President Shahina Siddiqui, (204) 781-7993;
CAIR-CAN Spokeswoman Selma Djukic, (416) 726-4992;
CAIR-CAN Communications Coordinator Sameer Zuberi, (613) 254-9704 or (613)
795-2012.
