Longueuil police call for calm during weekend rallies honouring teen killed by officer

Longueuil police (SPAL) held a press briefing on Friday ahead of rallies planned this weekend in memory of 15-year-old, Nooran Rezayi, who was shot and killed during a police intervention on Montreal’s South Shore last Sunday.

Inspector Gino Iannone, Executive Officer of the Communications and Media Relations Section, delivered a statement urging the public to ensure that the gatherings remain respectful and peaceful.

“We understand and share the deep sadness felt by his family, his friends, and all those who cared for them, near and far,” said Iannone. “We hope that these gatherings take place in a respectful and calm atmosphere.”

“The SPAL invites all those wishing to march in memory of Nooran Rezayi to do so peacefully, for safety reasons for both residents and participants, many of whom may be minors,” he added.

The incident is currently under investigation by the Bureau des enquêtes indépendantes (BEI).

Due to this, the briefing consisted solely of the statement, no question period followed it.

“We hope that everything will take place without disturbances, threats, violent acts, or acts of vandalism,” said Iannone. “This is for the safety of all those present, as well as that of SPAL staff, who have been working for years in collaboration with the entire Longueuil community and its many partners on the ground.”

The SPAL added that information leads them to believe that some individuals, although few in number, may seek to provoke confrontations with police officers during the events planned this weekend.

“We would like to reiterate that such behavior will not be tolerated, once again in order to ensure the safety of all those who will take part in these marches,” said Iannone.

The SPAL also pointed out that it is in constant communication with its school partners, encouraging parents to engage in dialogue with their children and raising awareness of the importance of maintaining a climate of respect throughout these marches.

Montreal Police launched an investigation parallel to that of Quebec’s police watchdog – the BEI.

The teen was shot and killed during a Longueuil police intervention on Sunday.

The SPVM made the announcement on Tuesday night and say their major crimes investigators will attempt to clarify what happened in the moments leading up to the death.

A parallel investigation is conducted by a supporting police force for a possible criminal offense that emerges from the independent investigation – but is not covered by the BEI’s mandate.

The only firearm seized by the BEI as part of their investigation – belonged to the police officer who allegedly opened fire on the 15-year-old.

“I invite people to go there to show their support, their support for the family who is shaken by the events,” said Ian Lafrenière, Quebec Public Secuity Minister on Friday morning ahead of the CAQ caucus in Gatineau.

“However, what concerns me is that I also see an increase in tension, there are criminal acts that have been committed,” he added. “So, this is a call for calm. I spoke to several members of the community. We are working together.”

Two weekend demonstrations planned in honour of Rezayi

A vigil and a demonstration are planned in Montreal’s South Shore this weekend in commemoration to Rezayi.

With the permission of his parents and in coordination with the authorities, the Association de la Sépulture Musulmane au Québec (ASMQ) is organizing a memorial planned for Saturday.

They said they’re organizing the vigil to support the victim’s family, raise awareness of police violence and denounce what they call a crime committed against the 15-year-old boy.

“We have been crying out loud and clear that the system in general here in Quebec needs to be reviewed, changes need to be made,” said Hadjira Belkacem, ASMQ president and founder. “We need to study the current reality to try to find the right laws and regulations to protect the population and protect our precious youth.”

A protest is also planned for Sunday, set to take place in the afternoon and finish at Longueuil police headquarters. Organizers say the rally is meant to denounce police brutality and racial profiling

Growing memorial

Montreal’s South Shore community has been paying their respect at a memorial site for Nooran Rezayi.

The front lawn of the Longueuil home where a police intervention resulted in his death could be seen filled with flowers, candles, and notes.

“I’m literally shocked about it. My brother is 15 years old. But after this I can’t trust the police,” said Zuhal Shairzai, who visited the memorial Friday and knew Rezayi through Montreal’s Afghan community.

Since the incident on Sunday, the memorial has kept growing, more than doubling in size since the last time CityNews visited Tuesday.

“We came from Afghanistan; the country is war. We came here to be safe,” Shairzai said. “But here we are not safe too, so I need justice for Nooran.”