Marrisa Shen’s accused killer appears in Vancouver court, sparking protests and fears of anti-immigrant backlash
Supporters of the Shen family and Syrian-Canadians all called for justice in the wake of a murder charge against a refugee
As the man charged in the death of 13-year-old Marrisa Shen made his first public court appearance on Friday in downtown Vancouver, sign-waving protests alongside an emotional vigil were taking place outside the courthouse.
Ibrahim Ali, a 28-year-old Syrian refugee, was charged with first-degree murder after his arrest on September 7, more than a year after Shen’s body was discovered in a park in the suburb of Burnaby in July 2017.
Near the courthouse, anti-immigration protesters and members of Canada’s Syrian community and others worried about backlash in the wake of Ali’s arrest gathered, lighting candles and holding placards.
Supporters of the Shen family carried signs and banners reading “No Bail No More Victims”, “We Want Justice” and “Comprehensive Security Screening Now.” They mingled with people fearful of a backlash against immigrants and Muslims.
Among them were Duncan MacLeod and Daniyah Shamshi, who said they were concerned about the division Ibrahim’s case might create.