Aiia Maasarwe’s father not looking for ‘revenge’ ahead of her killer’s sentencing
The father of murdered exchange student Aiia Maasarwe hopes his daughter is remembered for the “good things” and not how she died, revealing he is not looking for “revenge” ahead of her killer’s sentencing this week.
VIC News
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The father of murdered exchange student Aiia Maasarwe has revealed that he is not looking for “revenge” ahead of her killer’s sentencing this week.
Saeed Maasarwe said he wants his daughter’s memory to live on, spreading love and hope as she did.
Speaking in Melbourne today, Mr Maasarwe said he hoped Aiia is remembered for the “good things” and not how she died.
Mr Maasarwe, supported by daughter Noor, today launched the Aiia Maasarwe Memorial Medical Fellowship Foundation in memory of his slain daughter.
Mr Maasarwe, who is in Australia for the sentencing of his daughter’s killer on Tuesday, said he “hopes the justice (system) can care more” in the wake of his daughter’s death.
“Our compass is not revenge,” he said.
“We think all the time, our mind, our compass, is positive, it is not negative.
“I don’t want to spend mind or energy for what this (the sentencing) will be.
“But I hope that justice will … take this people far away from society.”
Ms Maasarwe, 21, was living in Melbourne and studying at La Trobe University when she was brutally raped and murdered in January.
Her death sparked international outrage with thousands lining the streets of Melbourne for a public vigil.
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Aiia’s sister Noor said she had “mixed feelings” about being in Australia.
“At the same time I feel very unsafe here,” she said.
“I feel like an outsider.
“I still see on the news that women in Melbourne are getting raped and murdered on the street — this shouldn’t be happening in the first place.
“That was the very last minute she was. I don’t want her to be remembered as the victim of this crime.
Ms Maasarwe, who wore a brooch of a photo of her sister, paid tribute to her “best friend”.
“She was full of life, always happy, very open minded.
“She was very special person.
“She wasn’t just a victim.”
The first recipent to recieve the funding, Palestinian pediatric haematology oncologist Dr Khadra Hasan Salami, also travelled to Australia.
Dr Salami was presented with the award today and said it was “an honour” to receive.
“It’s a dream for all doctors to take care of their patients and to be in a safe and peace(ful) place, which is the message the Aiia Massarwe thinking about,” she said.
The foundation will support Palestinians aspiring in the medical field to train at Israeli hospitals.
To donate to the Aiia Maasarwe fund, please go to www.rememberingaiia.com