Justice for Abdirahman Coalition: Verdict in Inquest Rules That Death Was A Homicide

While this news and finding is devastating, it confirms what many of us in the community believed all along and it shines a necessary light on the truth. While this ruling cannot undo the pain and loss, it is the outline of a crucial step towards accountability.

This jury also put forth recommendations to the Ottawa Police Service, its Board, the Solicitor General of Ontario, and many other stakeholders following the inquest into the tragic death of Abdirahman Abdi. We as the Justice for Abdirahman Coalition commend the jury for their thorough deliberation and for presenting meaningful recommendations aimed at preventing similar tragedies in the future.

Abdirahman Abdi’s death over eight years ago was a heartbreaking loss for his family, friends, and the wider community. It exposed systemic inequities and disappointing failures in police training, mental health response, and racial equity. The inquest, which brought these issues into sharper focus, represents a pivotal opportunity to address these gaps and create lasting change in our city and province.

We urge and are calling on all those addressed in the recommendations to take immediate and decisive action to implement the items in full. The findings and recommendations are not merely suggestions; they are a roadmap to ensuring accountability, building trust, and safeguarding the lives of our community.

We emphasize that this moment requires collaboration, transparency, and accountability from all involved. The time for action is now. Delays in implementing these recommendations would undermine the inquest’s purpose and would continue the vicious cycle of perpetuating state violence against our most vulnerable.

Abdirahman’s legacy must be one of justice, equity, and reform. The Justice for Abdirahman Coalition will continue to advocate, monitor progress, and hold institutions accountable to honor this legacy and build a safer, more equitable society for all. We owe it to Abdirahman and his loved ones.

To review the list of recommendations made by the jury online, click here