Two teens face child pornography charges in connection with the death of teenager Rehtaeh Parsons last April in the eastern province of Nova Scotia. Police said there was not enough evidence to support sexual assault charges against the two.
Parsons attempted suicide after months of relentless harassment and humiliation by peers and a few days later was taken off life-support. Her mother said four boys had earlier sexually assaulted her then 15 year-old daughter at a party, took photographs and circulated them at school and on social media.
A storm of controversy followed. Police say they never interviewed any of the four teens before Thursday and finally did so because of new information and co-operation from someone within the investigation.
Police warned that no one should release the identities of the two boys who have been charged. That would violate Youth Criminal laws that protect children under the age of 18.
after attempting to take her own life a few days earlier. © Facebook
New law on cyberbullying
Rehtaeh’s death and other similar bullying cases prompted the province of Nova Scotia to pass a strict law against cyberbullying. The new legislation gives victims the ability to sue alleged cyberbullies or their parents, if those accused are minors.
Other Canadian teens have committed suicide after being bullied and several provinces are grappling with the issue.
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