Protesters ask for inquiry into sex assault investigation in Parsons case

HALIFAX — Concerned citizens and members of the online group Anonymous gathered today in a peaceful protest outside the Gottingen street police station in Halifax asking for an independent review of the police investigation into the alleged sexual assault of teenager Rehtaeh Parsons and the distribution of a photo of the incident.

While Anonymous claims they have evidence of an online confession from one of the boys allegedly involved, most of the protesters’ heat was directed towards the police, the Nova Scotia Justice Department and the school’s administration, those who the Parsons family says let Rehtaeh down.

Before the demonstration started, one Anonymous member, Jon Blanchard, asked the crowd to be peaceful and respectful.

Dozens of people gathered across the street from the Halifax police station holding signs and writing messages for 17-year-old Rehtaeh, who hanged herself and was taken off life-support a week ago.

Among the crowd was Rehtaeh’s mom Leah Parsons and her partner Jason Barnes.

Some protestors wore the iconic Guy Fawkes mask associated with Anonymous, but most showed their faces.

After a week of public pressure and global attention, the RCMP reopened the case into the alleged sexual assault on Friday, saying they were given new and credible evidence while emphasizing that the information “did not come from an online source”.

Organizer Dave Rossetti told the crowd the group is demanding the RCMP continue the investigation and that the Justice Department open an investigation into how the Mounties have handled the case.

“We urge the RCMP to act like guardians and set the proper example for the young men of Nova Scotia and send a very clear message that this behaviour will not be tolerated in our community,” said Rossetti.

“A terrible sexual assault was made, there is photographic evidence of this crime, there is admission from the school board and the police that child pornography was distributed throughout our community. One of these individuals who should be charged has not disputed these facts.

“We are demanding that the people in that building let a jury decide,” said Rossetti to the growing crowd. “Follow your own procedures, protect the innocent, we want justice and that is your job. Do your job.”

The crowd repeated the chant “do your job.”

“Because it looks like other people are going to do your job for your, if you don’t,” said Rossetti.

Another speaker said it was good to see the police reopen the investigation — but asked the police for more openness the second time around.

“We demand transparency from this point on,” said Jenn Thiele.

“We are demanding that this be done in a timely manner. Not waiting years, not waiting months, we want this done now.”

“We cannot let the justice system fail Rehtaeh again. A fail for Rehtaeh is a fail for all women and any victims of sexual assault,” Thiele said.

A friend of the Parsons family who started a petition asking for an inquiry, said she won’t have faith in the police and justice system until there’s an independent investigation.

“How were they able to do in two days what the RCMP couldn’t do in 18 months?” said Sherri Bain. “And when did a cyber trail of proof become insufficient evidence? There’s something wrong.”

“There’s a confession. There are pictures. How could there not be enough evidence to convict?”

“I’m happy people are signing the petition,” said Bain, “what I’m worried about is how many damn signatures it’s going to take before the justice minister says ‘we will do an independent review’.”

Bain’s petition had over 230,000 signatures on Sunday.

The Halifax police said they spoke briefly with organizers and were glad to see it was a peaceful rally.

“There’s been no need for any police involvement whatsoever,” Staff Sgt. Bill Morris of the Halifax Regional Police. “They’re there to rally and support what’s happened.”

“Any new information is appreciated and it helps investigators come to a conclusion of what actually occurred.”

Later in the afternoon a counter-protest of about a dozen boys and girls arrived to show their support for the four boys allegedly connected to the case. They said the believed the other side of the story should be told and disputed some of the sexual assault allegations against the boys. They carried signs that said “She wasn’t raped” and “There is 2 sides listen!!!!”

Recently, supporters of the boys started a Facebook group.

Global News asked the boys for their side of the story on Thursday, but received no response.

Family and friends of Reteah gathered for her funeral on Saturday to celebrate her life, but to also put a spotlight on the larger societal problems that led up to her taking her own life.

“How can our society provide a safe haven for young girls? Why do young men feel that young girls are but objects for their sexual fantasies and pleasure? Why do teenagers avoid seeking help when they are depressed and suicidal?” say Rev. John Morrell in his eulogy.

Her mom spoke out about the case on Monday, saying they were disappointed that RCMP and the Public Prosecution Service said there was insufficient evidence to lay charges.

The family says it took 10 months for investigators to interview the boys, but the RCMP said they can’t confirm or deny that.

Nova Scotia Justice minister Ross Landry announced that he would look into reviewing the case and provide options within a few days.

As of Sunday, no plan has been presented.

Landry initially said on Tuesday he wouldn’t second-guess the police and review the case, a position he quickly changed after he admittedly faced intense public pressure.

Premier Darrell Dexter instead announced a plan to assess support services for people who face violence, along with an awareness campaign directing those who need help to the right resources with television and online ads.