***For immediate release***
(OTTAWA, March 13, 2019)
The Justice for Abdirahman Coalition strongly denounces, in unequivocal terms, all acts of racism and anti-Semitism and stands firmly against such hateful ideologies.
The Coalition was shocked to hear reports of alleged intimidation of Constable Daniel Montsion and defence counsels Solomon Friedman and Michael Edelson on March 12, 2019.
The Coalition has encouraged, and continues to encourage, members of the public to attend the trial in a peaceful and respectful manner, and in so doing, has reminded people that aggressive or disrespectful behaviour will not be tolerated.
The Coalition calls on Ottawans of all backgrounds to join its quest for full justice in the wrongful death of Abdirahman Abdi.
We encourage all members of the public who plan to attend trial proceedings to be informed of court etiquette: http://www.ontariocourts.ca/scj/at-court/etiquette-procedures/
About Abdirahman Abdi’s Case
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. Scared and confused, Abdirahman was pursued by an Ottawa Police Service Const. Daniel Montsion who, for unknown reasons, proceeded to violently beat him with assault gloves and a baton at the footsteps of Abdirahman’s apartment building. On March 6, 2017, the Ontario Special Investigations Unit (SIU) alleged that Const. Daniel Montsion was responsible for the brutal killing of Abdirahman Abdi and was charged with manslaughter, aggravated assault and assault with a weapon.
About Justice for Abdirahman (JFA)
In just a few short days following Abdirahman’s death, a group was formed: The Justice for Abdirahman Coalition was born. Based in Ottawa, the Coalition is supported by local and national advocacy groups. The group has advocated tirelessly to bring justice by way of legislative and policy reforms to ensure that what happened to Abdirahman would never happen again to anyone.
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