Read the real life stories and experiences of freelance writer Mike Gagnon.

Do we not have laws anymore?

Yesterday afternoon I was watching the news and I saw a piece that really pisses me off.

Before I start, this is not a "racist rant". I'm not racist and I never intend to use this blog as a forum for promoting hate. I am however voicing my frustration at Canada's lack of sense when it comes to our legal system.

Here's the story:

It happened at Memorial University in Newfoundland.

A male 25 year of old student, named Farhood Azarsina, of middle eastern decent who immigrated here to study, which I have no problem with in any way, cornered a female student in an elevator where she couldn't escape and sexually assaulted her.

She reported him, he's been held in jail awaiting trial which was held yesterday.

The irritating thing is that this one person (I'm not stereotyping, I'm talking about this guy) showed nothing but contempt for Canadian law in court and showed no remorse for his actions, even justifying them.

He was quoted as saying to the judge. "In the country I come from women are completely covered almost all of the time. A man cannot be expected to control himself when the breasts are out.” referring to the fact that western women do not wear robes that cover their breasts. The student has even stated to the media that the entire ordeal is “Nothing serious.” The Iranian student’s lawyer even asked to have charges dismissed on the grounds that they would hurt his client’s academic career. That was the defense that our courts entertained. Luckily that didn’t hold up.

The worst thing, the maddening thing, is that it is not the man himself, but the ruling of the judge. The man was sentenced to 60 days in jail, but the judge counted the three weeks he spent in jail waiting for trial, not only that, but counted it for double time, as 6 weeks. That means that he only has 18 more days to serve, assuming he isn't given some good behaviour bonus.

This means at most he'll serve only 39 days in jail for sexually assaulting an innocent girl who was only trying to get an education.

Plus, the university has only temporarily suspended the student and allowed him to continue some of his course load through distance education. He may even be allowed back on the campus attended by the same girl he attacked.

I don't care whether someone moved here or was born here, this entire thing is just wrong. What kind of message are we sending?

Now Canada can be known the world over not only as the place where you can move to for a better life, a place to work, a place to be allowed any and all social freedoms possible, but now you’re also free to come here and commit crimes against innocent people with little or no punishment because we'll go out of our way to make you feel comfortable here no matter what you do.

It feels like this person was given special treatment because he was an immigrant and the law is taking the view that "he didn't know any better." That's just ridiculous. Plenty of people move here from the Middle East and are productive members of society and are able to control themselves and not attack women.

Whether a person was born here or moved here this kind of crime should be taken seriously and I'm embarrassed as a Canadian that we would allow anyone to walk away from something like this so easily.

I strongly urge people to write your local representatives and Newfoundland politicians about this, as I will be.

Posted by: lightning at 11:43 | link | comments (7)
news, articles, ranting, society, tv, public bulletins

Comments:

#1  31 January 2008 - 15:41

 

Nonsense. How do you know what is the ususal punishment for similar crimes in Canada? I don't think one would even get jail time.

Anonymous

#2  01 February 2008 - 07:01

 

I totally agree with you and BTW, linked to this part in my Persian blog.

Anonymous

#3  01 February 2008 - 14:18

 

I know the usual punishment because I live in Canada and it is illegal to sexually assault women here. Our laws require men to control themselves no matter what someone else is wearing. There is always jail time for this type of crime, and usually much longer.

lightning

#4  01 February 2008 - 14:46

 

Well written and I totally agree with you. I myself am an Iranian born Canadian immigrant and the news about this guy has put me to shame. And I am as frustrated as you are about the fact that they are using his racial/cultural background to ease the penalty for him. This is so unfair to everyone, imagine next year someone comes and commits a murder and claims that in his/her original country, this is quite normal and it's a part of his/her culture!!
I am grinding my teeth on how soft Canada is reacting to this as well!
Regards,
--Sahar

Anonymous

#5  01 February 2008 - 14:49

 

Thanks both to Sahar and the Persian Blog person for thier comments and opinions.

lightning

#6  02 February 2008 - 15:23

 

It's shameful what this idiot has done.

Anonymous

#7  07 December 2008 - 17:47

 

To keep you updated, nothing changed really. The University accommodated him. He is defending his PhD thesis next week.
Too much ado for nothing...It only filled up blogs and newspapers and kept us all entertained for a short while, then it became a forgotten matter. So be it, until it happens next time when we start the whole thing over again.

Anonymous

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