She Cheered Me Up and Danced Macarena for Hours – Cardiff Mourners Pack Church for Murdered Paria Veisi’s Heartbreaking Memorial

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A large gathering of mourners came together in Cardiff to honor the memory of 31-year-old Paria Veisi, whose life was tragically cut short. The Norwegian Church in Cardiff Bay was filled beyond capacity as friends, family, and community members shared memories, wept, and embraced one another, making room for others to enter and pay their respects.

Paria, a vibrant resident of Cathays, had been the focus of a missing persons appeal before police discovered her body at a Penylan residence on April 19. A 41-year-old man, Alireza Askari, has been charged with her murder, alongside charges of preventing lawful burial and assault, while a 48-year-old woman from London faces charges related to obstructing justice and preventing a lawful burial.

The memorial, held on April 23, was organized by Paria’s closest friends who described her as a “vibrant soul who brought joy to everyone around her.” Attendees listened to peaceful music performed by two musicians and shared traditional Persian food, reflecting the cultural heritage that was a significant part of Paria’s identity.

The service was marked by a profound sense of shock and mourning, with several friends speaking in Persian and emotional voice messages from Paria’s family abroad played to those gathered. The church was adorned with white flowers and large photographs of Paria, creating a serene atmosphere that underscored the community’s grief and disbelief.

Every seat inside the well-known church was occupied by men, women, and children dressed in black, many from Cardiff but also from London and Bristol, demonstrating the wide reach of Paria’s impact. Due to the overwhelming attendance, some mourners were asked to wait outside, where speakers relayed the music and tributes, allowing everyone to participate in the collective remembrance.

Sara Rezaei, one of Paria’s close friends, spoke to WalesOnline before the service, emphasizing that Paria should not be remembered solely as a victim. “Paria wasn’t just someone in the headlines—she was a kind, caring, and vibrant soul who brought joy to everyone around her. She was caring, selfless and always ready to help,” Sara said.

Sara also expressed the community’s resolve: “We are devastated, heartbroken, and still in shock. But we are also standing together—for Paria, for justice, and for every voice that has been silenced. As the world watches and asks questions, I ask that you don’t reduce her to just a victim. Please remember her as the real person she was – full of love and life. This memorial is not just about mourning—it’s about standing up, demanding accountability. We will not stop until there is justice. For Paria. For her family. For all of us.”

A young girl who attended the memorial shared touching memories of Paria’s uplifting spirit. She recalled how Paria “always turned bad situations better,” describing an occasion when Paria cheered her up after a disappointing party by dancing the Macarena with her for hours and how she would always be the one to jump into the sea when no one else would, saying, “She always made me happy.”

The memorial invitation read: “With deep sorrow and heavy hearts, we invite you to a memorial gathering in honour of the kindness, selflessness, and the many smiles Paria Veisi shared throughout her life. Her memory lives on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. We warmly welcome you to join us in remembering and celebrating Paria’s life. Your presence will be a great comfort to those mourning her loss and a tribute to the beautiful life she lived.”

Following the discovery of Paria’s body, both Alireza Askari and Maryam Delavary appeared in Cardiff Crown Court, where they were remanded in custody. Askari faces charges of murder, preventing lawful burial, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm, while Delavary is charged with preventing lawful burial and conspiring to pervert the course of justice. A trial is scheduled to begin in October.

This case highlights the ongoing challenges in addressing violence against women in the UK, where recent government statistics show that one in three women experience some form of domestic abuse in their lifetime. Community responses such as this memorial underscore the importance of public solidarity and demand for justice in such cases. Police continue to encourage anyone with information to come forward to assist the investigation.

The collective grief and determination witnessed at the memorial reflect not only the loss of a cherished individual but also a community’s call for accountability and change. Paria Veisi’s life and legacy remain vivid in the hearts of those who knew her, inspiring a commitment to stand against violence and honor her memory through action.