Stop deportation and "honor killing" of Pakistani woman

Video by the Toronto Sun, April 3: http://is.gd/qX1c

The Toronto Sun reported this month on the case of Roohi Tabassum, a 44-year-old Pakistani woman living in Canada, set to be deported April 28.

Many have rallied and contacted the Canadian government to allow Tabassum to remain in the country, claiming if she is deported she will become the victim of an honor killing.

Her husband, Faisal Javed, a Sunni, has written her, according to the TS:

Everybody is against you. I am also very combative to you... if you are here, I could not leave you alive.... Keep this in mind that now I will finish you myself.
In 2001, Tabassum came to Canada illegally and sought refuge but was denied, even upon appeal. She tried to divorce Javed in 2007, but he refused. Tabassum has been employed as a hairdresser and styles the hair of men as well as women, which has outraged her husband, who also believes she is seeing another man.

Tabassum denied this and fears for her life:

In 3 weeks, I will be put to my death.... He believes I have shamed and disgraced his family's name and honour.... By killing me he thinks he will restore his family's honour.... I am living in fear every day and I don't know what to do.
And rightfully so. Family friend Habiba Ahmed told the TS: "There's no doubt she will be killed if she returns to Pakistan. Her death will be made very public as a message for everyone to see."

Imam Abdulhai Patel of the Canadian Council of Imams, claims honor killings are rare, "more of a cultural occurrence than a religious practice." But statistics show 10k women die every year from honor killings in Pakistan. Tabassum's own 1st cousin was a victim after refusing to submit to an arranged marriage.

Grassroots action is encouraged on behalf of Roohi Tabassum. Those interested may contact the following with the request "Do not deport Roohi Tabassum":


Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship/Immigration/ Multiculturalism:

Minister@cic.gc.ca


The Canadian Embassy:

The Embassy of Canada
501 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC, USA 20001

Phone: 202-682-1740 or 202-682-1755
Fax: 202-682-7726 or 202-682-7738
Immigration Fax: 202-682-7689
Public Affairs Fax: 202-682-7791
http://www.canadianembassy.org


Case Processing Center, in Ontario:

2 Robert Speck Parkway,
Suite 1200
Mississauga, ON
L4Z 1H8
Fax: 905-803-7392


The Consul General in Detroit:

The Consulate General of Canada, Detroit
600 Renaissance Center, Suite 1100
Detroit, Michigan, USA 48243-1798

Telephone: 313-567-2340
Immigration: 313-567-2085
Fax: 313-567-2164
http://www.detroit.gc.ca
dtrot@international.gc.ca

Read more at www.jillstanek.com.

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• Roohi Tabassum
• Pakistan
• honor killing
• Jill Stanek