An inquest into the 2016 demise of Abdirahman Abdi, a who died after a confrontation with Ottawa police, will start subsequent month, in keeping with Ontario’s Workplace of the Chief Coroner. The proceedings are set to begin on November 18 and can final roughly 21 days, throughout which round 25 witnesses are anticipated to testify.
Abdi, 37, had a historical past of psychological well being challenges and died following a violent incident with police on July 24, 2016. The altercation started when officers responded to experiences of a person performing aggressively in direction of ladies at a Hintonburg espresso store. Constable Daniel Montsion was referred to as to help Constable Dave Weir, who was already on the scene.
When Abdi tried to flee, Weir pursued him, utilizing pepper spray and placing him with a baton. Montsion arrived shortly after and allegedly punched Abdi a number of occasions whereas carrying strengthened gloves.
In 2020, Montsion was acquitted of manslaughter and aggravated assault expenses. Justice Robert Kelly said that the Crown had not proved past an inexpensive doubt that Montsion’s actions led to Abdi’s demise.
In 2021, the Ottawa police reached a confidential settlement of $1.5 million with Abdi’s household after a lawsuit was filed. Abdi’s demise sparked a motion advocating for police reform and defunding, led by the Justice for Abdirahman Coalition.
The forthcoming inquest is remitted by the Coroners Act and goals to make clear the circumstances surrounding Abdi’s demise. Such inquests are performed to tell the general public and assist stop related tragedies sooner or later. Previous inquests have investigated notable instances, together with the murders of three ladies in Renfrew County in 2015 and the deadly taking pictures of Sammy Yatim by a Toronto police officer in 2013.
Lawrence Greenspon, the lawyer representing Abdi’s household within the settled lawsuit, voiced hopes that the inquest would concentrate on important points just like the administration of 911 calls, psychological well being disaster responses, and police coaching in de-escalation methods.
