By NATIONAL POST (TORONTO)
Added: Tue, 11 Dec 2007 00:00:00 UTC

Thanks to Linda Ward Selbie for the link.

Reposted from:
http://network.nationalpost.com/np/blogs/toronto/archive/2007/12/11/girl-16-dies-after-hijab-dispute-with-father.aspx



Amy Smithers and Katie Rook update the death of Aqsa Parvez:

The 16-year-old Mississauga girl who was allegedly strangled by her father in a dispute over her refusal to wear the hijab has died.

Aqsa Parvez, a Grade 11 student at Applewood Heights, succumbed to her injuries late last night, Peel Regional Police said today.

The girl's 57-year-old father, Muhammad Parvez, has been charged with muder. Aqsa's 26-year-old brother, Waqas Parvez, has been charged with obstructing police.

Friends believe Aqsa (seen above in a personal photo) was the victim of a dispute over the teenager's desire to be more western. "She wanted to live her life the way she wanted to, not the way her parents wanted her to," classmate Krista Garbhet told the Post this morning. "She just wanted to be herself, honestly she just wanted to show her beauty, and not be pushed around by her parents telling her what she has to be like, what she has to do. Nobody would want to do that."

An announcement broadcast at the school, near Bloor Street and Cawthra Road this morning, confirmed Aqsa's death.

School officials described her as an energetic, well-liked student.

"Peel Police are investigating Aqsa's death. It's natural to want answers about why this tragedy occurred, but we really don't have any of those answers yet. So it's important to avoid speculation or rumours. If you do have first-hand information that you think is relevant to this case, you can speak with one of the teachers or counsellors, or with office staff," one school official told students.

A memorial with a photograph of Aqsa and book of dedication was set up in the school's main foyer.

Grief counsellors are available to support shocked classmates. A flag outside the school has been lowered in memory of the girl.

The National Post editorial board discusses this case in their podcast here.

TAGGED: ABUSE, CHILDREN, RELIGION