Nasrat Parsa: A Tragic Loss in the
Afghan Music
Source: BBC
Nasrat Parsa, passed away in the morning of Sunday, May 8th,
2005 due to a tragic incident that occurred outside his hotel
room after midnight of Saturday May 7th. "He
had been approached by three male suspects, one punched him
and he fell down some stairs hitting his head," said Const.
Tim Fanning of Vancouver police. "He was rushed to hospital
and was pronounced dead."
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After
the show, Fanning said Parsa was outside his East Vancouver
hotel with his brother when he was assaulted. Police happened
to be in the area at the time, and saw a suspect running away.
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The
area was surrounded and a tracking dog was unleashed to search
the area. "He (the suspect) was found a couple blocks away
hiding in the lane," said Fanning. "Another man was
also found nearby and taken into custody."
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Nasrat Parsa
1969 - 2005 |
The
death is a huge blow to the Afghan community in Vancouver and
around the world, said Mohammed Nayebzadah, who was the caterer
for the Vancouver concert. He sold tickets to the show at his
family business, the Silk Road Cafe, where Parsa's CDs were
being played in tribute Monday. |
"He was very popular," said Nayebzadah. "We are
getting very upset, why is this happening? He's a young person,
our singer, he's coming here to sing for the mothers on Mothers
Day. I'm sorry for his mother and this very sad news for all
Afghans."
Parsa's performance was attended by close to 500 people, mostly
Afghan families, Nayebzadah said.
A 19-year-old man was arrested and is charged with aggravated
assault. Police have since recommended the charge be upgraded
to manslaughter.
The singer's brother was waiting for Parsa's body to be released
for burial in Germany.
Our
deepest sympathies and condolences go the Parsa's family and
close ones. |
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