Eight protests are taking place across Canada over the weekend, calling for justice in the death of a Dawson Creek Woman murdered in Mexico.
Kiara Agnew was killed at a resort in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, in March 2023.
Her boyfriend, Ryan Friesen, was initially found not guilty, but that verdict has since been overturned by a Mexican magistrate. His defence appealing the ruling as family and friends call for him to be held off the streets.
A friend of Kiara’s, Shelby Painter, said, “We are elated the not-guilty verdict has been overturned, but if Friesen is now guilty, he should be in custody.”
On Saturday, organizers of the ‘Justice of Kiara’ protest are holding a rally in Dawson Creek, beginning at noon at the traffic circle near the Dawson Creek Art Gallery.
On Sunday, a rally will also be hosted in Fort St. John, starting at noon from the empty lot across from Subway and Mr. Mike’s.
“We’re inviting anyone who stands against domestic violence to come out and join the protest,” Painter said.
Painter says one of the goals is to spark a conversation about domestic violence, adding that many people have shown support for Kiara’s story.
A number of petitions have been started online demanding ‘Justice for Kiara."
One petition calls on Canadian authorities to “Immediately Review Ryan Friesen’s Status in Canada.”
Another petition calls upon authorities both in Mexico and within international human rights organization to prioritize Kiara’s case.
Other protests will take place in Edmonton and Grand Falls, New Brunswick, on Saturday, and in Calgary, Moncton, and Fredericton, New Brunswick, on Sunday.