Raza’s sanctuary reaches one-year anniversary

Prayer vigils are happening today and tomorrow for a local family that has now spent one year in sanctuary at Crescent Fort Rouge United Church.

The Raza family sought sanctuary at the church on Aug. 2 of last year after they were told they were being deported back to their native Pakistan. The family fled sectarian violence in their home country due to the fact Hassan Raza is a Shia Muslim and his wife, Kauser, is a Sunni Muslim. The couple have six children, the youngest of which will turn two on Aug. 2.

To mark the anniversary, Crescent Fort Rouge United Church is holding a 24-hour prayer/meditation vigil, beginning today at 2 p.m. at the church. The vigil is open to the public and ends Aug. 3 at 2 p.m.

To date, the federal government has refused to talk to the church or the media about the specifics of the Raza’s case, citing privacy laws.