Protests in Dawson Creek and across Canada are being planned to demand justice for a Dawson Creek woman, who was murdered in Mexico 2023.
Kiara Agnew was beaten to death at a five-star resort in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, on March 3, 2023.
Her boyfriend Ryan Friesen, was found asleep beside her body in a resort laundry room, with swollen fists, bruises, and feet, and covered in blood.
Friesen was charged with killing Kiara and found not guilty in September 2024 after a judge-only trial in Mexico.
After a review of the case by a Mexican magistrate, the not-guilty verdict in Agnew’s murder trial was overturned. Global Affairs Canada has reached out to Kiara’s family to tell them that Friesen is now considered guilty in connection to the 23 year old’s death.
Friesen’s lawyer issued a statement maintaining Ryan’s innocence, while saying the defence is appealing the ruling.
Now friends and family of Agnew say that Friesen shouldn’t be walking the streets while his appeal is being heard.
There was no comment in this regard from officials.
A friend of Kiara’s, Shelby Painter said, “we are elated the not guilty verdict has been overturned, but if Friesen is in now guilty he should be in custody.”
The process of Friesen’s appeal will be concluded within months. He is expected to remain in Canada until the resolution of his appeal. He faces up to 50 years in a Mexican prison if the appeal is unsuccessful.
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.” It also calls for international and Mexican authorities to ensure the conviction is fully recognized and enforced and for government leaders to act decisively in cases of gender-based violence.
The petition says, “allowing a convicted offender to live without scrutiny undermines public safety.”
Another petition calls upon authorities both in Mexico and within international human rights organizations, to prioritize Kiara’s case. It says, “the legal system must act decisively to hold the perpetrator accountable for his actions and ensure he does not harm another soul.”
Protests are being organized across Canada. In Dawson Creek, a protest will be taking place on Saturday February 7th, at the traffic circle at noon.
Other protests will take place the same day in Edmonton, Grand Falls, New Brunswick and Noelville, Ontario. On February 8th, protests are planned for Moncton and Fredericton, New Brunswick.
-M. Popove
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He should be in jail until his trial for murder!!