Another step has been taken toward stronger protections for Canadian citizens traveling abroad with the introduction in the House of Commons of Kiara’s Law, as the legal case surrounding Kiara Agnew’s murder in Mexico continues.
A motion introduced in the House of Commons by Edmonton-area MP Ziad Aboultaif, would require mandatory forensic autopsies when Canadians die under suspicious circumstances overseas.
It would also offer families greater advocacy support through Canadian consulates and give the government the ability to act if a foreign justice system fails to pursue a case.
“If she would have had a forensic autopsy when she got here, we would have had piece of mind that we would have had all the evidence from Kiara’s fight, the last fight of her life would have been available to us,” said Agnew.
Tanya Agnew, Kiara’s aunt, described the initiative as a long-overdue safeguard for families facing tragedy abroad. “We collected more than 1,600 signatures from coast to coast and from every province in the country. Now it’s vital that people contact their local MPs and ask them to support Kiara’s Law. This isn’t just about Kiara, it’s about protecting Canadians in the future and giving families some peace of mind.”
Kiara’s death highlighted the gaps in current protections for Canadians facing similar tragedies. Tanya Agnew said the law is designed to prevent other families from having to navigate foreign legal systems without guidance, while trying to cope with the loss of a loved one.
“Kiara’s Law and the ongoing appeal aren’t just about one case,” Agnew said. “They’re about ensuring that no Canadian family has to face the nightmare of losing someone abroad without support, transparency, and accountability.”
Agnew was beaten to death at a five-star resort in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, on March 3, 2023.
Her boyfriend Ryan Freisen was found asleep beside her body in a resort laundry room, with bruises, swollen fists and feet, covered in blood.
After a review of the case by a Mexican magistrate, Friesen’s not-guilty verdict was overturned in January. Friesen is now considered guilty in connection to the 23-year old’s death.
Meanwhile, Friesen has appealed his murder conviction in Mexico. Appeal documents from Kiara’s family must be submitted by April 29, after which a panel of three judges will review the case. The process could take anywhere from three months to a year and a half, depending on the court’s schedule.
Agnew said, “Our lawyer is preparing submissions on our behalf. It’s a slow and difficult process, but we are committed to seeing it through. We are asking Canadians to stay informed and continue supporting Justice for Kiara.”
To keep the issue in the public eye, the family has also called for a nationwide day of protest on May 2. Communities across Canada are encouraged to hold signs and demand ‘Justice For Kiara.”
-M. Popove/CJDC
Add comment
Comments