Justice for Abdirahman Coalition: Inquest into the 2016 Death of Abdirahman Abdi Begins

OTTAWA, ON November 18, 2024 The Ontario Office of the Chief Coroner will commence an inquest into the tragic 2016 death of Abdirahman Abdi, beginning today. The inquest will last approximately 21 days and will examine the circumstances surrounding Mr. Abd's death following a violent encounter with two Ottawa police officers.

The Justice for Abdirahman Coalition, formed in the wake of this tragedy, has tirelessly advocated for systemic changes to ensure that no life is ever lost again in such a manner. While inquests cannot reverse the irreversible loss of life or undo the harm caused by law enforcement actions, they provide an essential opportunity to reflect, lea, and act. Implementing meaningful recommendations will safeguard human dignity and prevent future tragedies.

To this end, the Justice for Abdirahman Coalition puts forward the following recommendations with emphasis on building strong accountability and consequences over police misconduct

1. Stronger Consequences for Non-Compliance with Investigative Bodies
Enforce strict penalties for officers who fail to comply with requests from the Special Investigations Unit (SIU) or other oversight bodies, including fines, imprisonment, or both, to ensure accountability in law enforcement.

2. Enhanced Civilian Oversight and Accountability
Strengthen oversight mechanisms, including empowering the SIU and establishing civilian-led advisory boards, to ensure transparent and impartial reviews of police conduct.

3. Suspension Without Pay for Officers Facing Serious Misconduct Allegations
Permit police chiefs to suspend officers without pay when they face serious criminal charges or judicial conditions that prevent them from fulfilling their duties, ensuring accountability and restoring public trust.

4. Mandatory Use of Body-Worn Cameras
Require body worn cameras for all officers, ensuring accountability and transparency during all interactions, with penalties for misuse or failure to comply.

5. Comprehensive Police Training in De-escalation and Anti-Racism
Mandate training for all officers in de-escalation techniques and anti-racism education, including cultural competency and unconscious bias, to address the systemic inequities within policing

While this inquest will inevitably invoke memories of pain and sorrow for our community, it is a pivotal moment for our community and our country.” said Ifrah Yusuf, Chair of the Coalition, "It is chance to learn from a devastating loss and to take bold, meaningful action to ensure human dignity is upheld in every interaction between law enforcement and the people they serve.”

The Justice for Abdirahman Coalition remains steadfast in its commitment to justice, dignity, and systemic change. The Coalition calls on policymakers, law enforcement agencies, and the broader community to ensure that the inquest's recommendations are not just acknowledged but implemented.

You can view the ongoing inquest when it is live online here

About the Justice for Abdirahman Coalition:

The Justice for Abdirahman Coalition was established in 2016 to advocate for systemic change following the tragic death of Abdirahman Abdi. The Coalition works to promote accountability, racial equity, and the protection of human rights in policing and beyond.