21-day inquest into the 2016 death of Abdirahman Abdi begins today [Video]

An inquest is underway into the 2016 death of Abdiraham Abdi, who died after an altercation with Ottawa police officers.

The inquiry will examine the circumstances surrounding Abdi’s death, and the jury may make recommendations aimed at preventing deaths in the future. The jury must answer five key questions during the inquest, including who died, where and when.

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Approximately 25 witnesses are expected to testify during the 21-day inquest.  

Abdi, 38, died in hospital on July 25, 2016, one day after his arrest by officers from Ottawa police.

Officers responded to a call at a Hintonburg coffee shop on July 24, 2016, where a man reportedly groped a woman.

During an arrest outside a nearby apartment building, Const. Daniel Montsion struck Abdi several times in the head while wearing knuckle-plated gloves. Montsion was found not guilty of manslaughter, aggravated assault, and assault with a weapon in June 2020 following a 72-day trial.

A lawsuit by …