Tears and hugs as hundreds remember 'caring, selfless' soul Paria Veisi after suspected murder
Paria Veisi, 31, was described as a 'vibrant soul who brought joy to everyone around her' and they struggled to make room for the numbers who wished to pay their respects
They shared memories, they cried and hugged. There were so many of them, they had to make space in the venue for others to enter and pay their respects.
Around a hundred mourners came together to remember the life of 31-year-old Paria Veisi, who lived in Cathays. She had been the subject of a missing persons appeal before police found her body at a residential property in Penylan on Saturday, April 19. A man has since been charged with her murder.
The memorial service took place this evening, Wednesday, April 23, at the Norwegian Church in Cardiff Bay. It was organised by Paria's closest friends who described her as a "vibrant soul who brought joy to everyone around her".
Friends spoke about their recollections of Paria, listened to peaceful music played by two musicians, and ate traditional food served by some of Paria's friends.
The beautiful Persian service signified a community in shock and mourning, in disbelief at what had happened. Some of Paria's friends shared fond memories of the 31-year-old in her native Persian, and emotional voice recordings from Paria's family, who live abroad, were also played to the congregation.
The Norwegian church was decorated with beautiful white flowers, and big pictures of Paria adorned the walls.Never miss a Cardiff story by signing up to our daily newsletter here
Every seat inside the well-known church was taken, with the room full of men, women and children dressed in black and paying their respects. Predominantly they lived in Cardiff, but some came from London and Bristol.
The church was so full, mourners were asked to move outside and give others the opportunity to come in. For those waiting outside, a speaker played the soothing music and heartfelt tributes those inside could hear. Those who gathered cried and hugged as they came to terms with the devastating loss.
One of Paria's close friends, Sara Rezaei, paid a heartfelt tribute to her friend to WalesOnline before the service.
Sara said: "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.
"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."
One young girl at the memorial service shared her memories of Paria's character with mourners. She said: "She always turned bad situations better."
The young girl recalled a time she'd got back from a party she hadn't enjoyed and Paria immediately raised her spirits. "She cheered me up and danced the macarena with me for hours," she fondly recalled.
The young mourner also spoke of how Paria would always be the one to jump into the sea with her when no-one else would. She added: "She always made me happy."
The notice before the memorial 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."
On Tuesday, a 41-year-old man and a 48-year-old woman appeared in Cardiff Crown Court, where they were remanded in custody.
Alireza Askari, 41, was charged with murder, preventing the lawful and decent burial of a dead body, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
Maryam Delavary, 48, from Australia Road, White City Estate, London, was charged with preventing a lawful and decent burial of a dead body and conspiring to pervert the course of justice.