RCMP worried posters in Rehtaeh Parsons case could incite vigilantism

HALIFAX – The RCMP say they’re concerned posters that have appeared on Halifax streets in support of four boys accused of sexually assaulting Rehtaeh Parsons could incite vigilante behaviour against the teens.

The brightly coloured posters bear the words, “Speak the Truth” in large, bold print and urge people to support the boys, though it does not identify them.

RCMP Cpl. Scott MacRae say the posters don’t break any laws, but police have received a number of complaints from residents about the flyers.

In a recent post on Facebook, Rehtaeh’s family say the posters are “disrespectful” and are an attempt to paint the 17-year-old girl in a negative light after her death.

The family alleges Rehtaeh was sexually assaulted by four boys at a home in November 2011 and bullied for months before she hanged herself on April 4.

She was taken off life-support a few days later.

MacRae says a Facebook page created in support of the four boys was recently taken down by its administrator after the Mounties raised concerns that the identities of the boys could be made public and interfere with an ongoing police investigation into the matter.

Note to readers: This is a corrected story. An earlier version identified Scott MacRae as a sergeant.