On November 15, 2019 more than 30 organizations announced the formation of a local coalition called United for All.

Recently, Ottawa media has been buzzing about how there is no dedicated Ottawa Police Service hate crimes unit, after anti-Black racist graffiti was found on a home in Ottawa's East End.

Dear Friends,

Many of you have been asking for an update on the trial and how you can support the Justice for Abdirahman Coalition.

Please read on to find out.

Please note that there is also a community meeting organized by the Coalition on Friday, February 22, click here for details.

Abdirahman Abdi was a 37 year old Somali-Canadian with mental health issues. He lived in Ottawa’s Hintonburg community at 55 Hilda Street. On July 24th 2016, following an incident at a local coffee shop where police were called, Abdirahman began running home for safety.

The Ottawa Police Services Board is currently consulting with communities across Ottawa to inform their 2019 to 2021 Strategic Plan.

Over the last few years, concerns have been raised about racial profiling of Middle Eastern and Black young men by the police service through Street Checks and Traffic Stops.

Farhia Ahmed, co-chair of the Justice for Abdirahman Coalition, spoke on December 10th, Human Rights Day, at the IDRF Dignity Tour in Ottawa. Muslim Link has gained permission to publish her speech today, in acknowledgement that it has been six months since the death of Abdirahman Abdi on July 24th, 2016.

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This is the Canadian Somali Mothers’ Association’s official statement regarding the vicious killing of Abdirahman Abdi by Ottawa Police Officers on Sunday, July 24 th , 2016, and the impact of the killing on the Ottawa Black Community.

Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatulaahi wa Barakatuhu
To our valued Somali Community of Ottawa,

On this most difficult time in our community, the Ottawa Police Service would like to express our sincere condolences first to Abdirahman Abdi’s family ( inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'oon) and to the entire Somali Community in Ottawa.

There has been an increase in hate related incidents in Ottawa reported this October, particularly targeting Muslim women wearing hijab or niqab. The Ottawa Police Service has reached out to the Muslim community and the mainstream media to encourage reporting of these incidents.