The parents of the 13 children killed in the Villaggio fire on May 28 have asked residents to please remember their grief and Qatar’s loss in a joint statement following yesterday’s mall’s reopening.

In the letter sent to Doha News, the parents, who said they heard about the mall reopening only from media reports, expressed anger at not being contacted personally about the development.

They also vented frustration at the lack of progress in criminal proceedings, which were postponed after “defendants did not have the humanity to show up” to court.

Villaggio was closed for three and a half months following the fire that killed 19 people, all trapped in an upstairs nursery that did not have a proper license to operate as such.

In an official investigation report, their deaths were attributed in part to negligence and a lack of preparedness on the mall’s part.

Acknowledging that people have a choice in where to shop, the statement said:

If you choose to return to Villaggio we have one request. Each time you return, remember. Remember the memories of those who died – including our 13 most precious children. Remember those who died trying to save our children. And remember the negligence of Villaggio and others in allowing this to happen. And remember that justice has not been done.

Here’s the full statement:

Thoughts?

Credit: Photo courtesy of Gympanzee’s Facebook page