PUBLIC pressure reopened the Rehtaeh Parsons case . . .

[ConsƦcons]

'Never underestimate the power of angry people in large numbers.'

We're seeing all sorts of backpedaling from governments, banks and
police on issues that the Canadian public is enraged about. Before the
internet, the only media we knew was TV and newspapers. And the only
way to get in touch with politicians was to write to them through Canada
Post.

Now we can let them know through emails, social media and mass petitions
that 'we, the people, are not happy with what you are doing'.
Or in Rehtaeh Parsons' case, what they were NOT doing.

It's good to know that the investigation that will now take place is the
direct result of the huge petition demanding that, the many emails and
tweets to politicians and police, and the brave involvement of
Anonymous, which is forever watching and willing to take a major stand.

Let's hope the four responsible are held up to public scrutiny and
public humiliation - just as they did to Rehtaeh Parsons. Let's see at
what point they realize that what they did was criminal - both the act
and what they did in the following years.
______________________________________

CBC News - Posted: Apr 13, 2013


Friends, family, dignitaries attend Rehtaeh Parsons funeral

Service comes a day after police re-opened investigation into alleged
assault

Rehtaeh Parsons' family and friends gathered today in Halfax for her
funeral. The 17-year-old took her own life after months of bullying.
Mourners filed into Halifax's St. Mark's Anglican Church for Rehtaeh's
funeral Saturday morning. Mourners filed into Halifax's St. Mark's
Anglican Church for Rehtaeh's funeral Saturday morning. (Stephen
Puddicomb/CBC)

According to her mother, four boys sexually assaulted her daughter when
she was 15. The girl was then said to have been mocked by classmates,
enduring relentless harassment and humiliation after a photo of the
attack was circulated at her school and on social media.

The service comes a day after police re-opened an investigation into the
alleged assault at a party in November 2011.

Following the service Angella Parsons, Rehtaeh's cousin and the
spokesperson for the family, issued a statement.

“The family has been recipients of random acts of kindness from people
who we don’t even know," she said. "The support has been overwhelming, a
true testament of the beauty of humanity.”

Several dignitaries, including Nova Scotia Premier Darrell Dexter, also
attended the funeral.

Dexter was at the service instead of attending the New Democratic
Party's policy convention in Montreal as was orginally planned.

After the service, the premier spoke to reporters.

“I came to this service today first and foremost as a father trying to
imagine what kind of incredible, unfathomable grief could be visited
upon a family,” he said.

In a Saturday morning interview with CBC Radio's The House, the premier
was asked what he thought of police re-opening the case.

"We're hopeful that this will lead, obviously, to bringing this matter
to a just conclusion for the family and for the community at large," he
said. "This is obviously a matter that is taking up the bulk of people's
attention and it's good to see that people are coming forward."

RELATED: Rehtaeh Parsons case to be reopened

Where to call for help

Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868

N.S. Mental Heath Mobile Crisis Team: 1-888-429-8167

Police had originally said there wasn't enough evidence to pursue
charges, but after intense pressure, the RCMP re-opened the case Friday.

The Mounties said they have new and "credible" information from a source
they claim is willing to work with them.

"The investigators are going to look at that in its entirety, so we're
back in business and we're going to continue to move forward and see
where that information leads us," said RCMP Cpl. Scott MacRae.

He said the information did "not come from any online source."
Since Rehtaeh Parsons' story became public, there has been outrage
expressed online.Since Rehtaeh Parsons' story became public, there has
been outrage expressed online. (Facebook)

Earlier this week, a group claiming to be the leaderless, online
collective known as Anonymous vowed to identify those involved in the
victimization of the teenager. But the group said later it would
withhold the names at the request of her family.

About 500 mourners packed into Rehtaeh's funeral at Saint Mark's
Anglican Church that began around 11 a.m. local time.

Friends in the teen's community of Cole Harbour, N.S., came out in the
snow and sleet around 10 p.m. Friday night for a vigil to honour her.

Rehtaeh's mother, Leah, "said this was very touching and provided her
support and comfort," Angella Parsons told reporters following the
service. "We are eternally grateful for the large gathering of friends
and strangers that Rae’s story has touched.

"My family asks for privacy today out of respect for Rehtaeh,” she added.