Vigil held for slain homeless man
CBC News | Posted: January 11, 2012 12:02 AM | Last Updated: January 11, 2012
Community advocates press for more resources to help marginalized people
Dozens of people gathered during rush hour Tuesday at Montreal's Bonaventure to honour Farshad Mohammadi, a homeless man killed by police last week.
Vigil organizers wanted to draw attention to the situation of homeless people in Montreal, and how they are treated by authorities.
The vigil – including music and readings – took place under heavy police surveillance.
Mohammadi died of gunshot wounds Friday when Montreal police opened fire on him near the turnstiles of the busy underground transit hub.
Provincial police, who are investigating the shooting, said Mohammadi attacked one of the two responding officers with an edged weapon and one of the officers then shot the suspect.
A police officer was treated for cuts to his neck and torso.
The shooting sparked a new round of questions about how Montreal should handle a growing homeless population in the city.
Community advocates say as the number of homeless people rises, so will problems.