Mourning in Ottawa amid cries for justice

Community speaks out when Somali Canadian dies after police confrontation

OTTAWA— Demands for answers and better police training were mixed with tears and sorrow as family, friends and members of Ottawa’s tight-knitted Muslim community memorialized a Somali-Canadian man who died after a confrontation with police.

There were also cries for justice Friday from amongst the overflow of mourners at the funeral service for 37-year-old Abdirahman Abdi, who was taken down by police officers on a sidewalk following a disturbance call last Sunday.

“We all have many questions, but we are trying to be as patient as possible as the investigation continues,” Abdi’s family said in a statement read by Imam Sikander Hashmi. “We need answers.” Community leaders including Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson and Ontario cabinet minister Bob Chiarelli urged patience as the province’s Special Investigations Unit examines the circumstances of Abdi’s death.

“This is a time for grieving and not finger-pointing,” Watson said outside the service. “I think what we have to do is allow the SIU to take the time that’s necessary to do a full and thorough report . . . and let the judicial system take its course.”

Ottawa’s main mosque, with a capacity of 2,000 people, was overflowing for the service with dozens of mourners forced to kneel and pray on the sidewalk in front of the building.

Initial reactions to his death were shock and horror, Mohamed Sofa said Friday in a statement on behalf of the Ottawa Somali community.