A Tragic Death Ignites Demands for Change

The family of Soleiman Faqiri, a mentally ill man whose untimely death occurred in a provincial jail, is urgently asking the Ontario government whether it has acted on the recommendations made during the coroner’s inquest. The Faqiri family firmly believes that no significant changes have been made since Soleiman's tragic passing on December 15, 2016.

A Collective Outcry for Justice

In a powerful show of solidarity, numerous civil liberty and mental health organizations are rallying behind the Faqiri family. They have sent a letter to Premier Doug Ford and Solicitor General Michael Kerzner, advocating for the swift implementation of the 57 crucial recommendations issued by inquest jurors aimed at enhancing oversight of the correctional system and ensuring better mental health care access.

Call for Accountability: Where Are the Promised Changes?

Yusuf Faqiri, Soleiman’s brother, expressed frustration over the lack of action, stating, "It appears the government has done nothing," as no charges have been filed in connection to his brother's death. His call for transparency resonates strongly, particularly given the deafening silence from Kerzner’s office regarding the implementation status of the recommendations.

Silence Speaks Volumes

At a press conference held at Queen’s Park, Yusuf lamented, "More than 16 months have passed since that coroner’s inquest, and not one recommendation has been acted upon," including an essential public statement emphasizing that individuals with mental health challenges should not be incarcerated. The family has also demanded an apology from the province, yet none has been forthcoming.

Official Stance: A Mixed Bag of Responses

While Kerzner's spokesperson, Dakota Moniz, acknowledged that Soleiman's death was a tragic event, the response indicates a focus on broader initiatives, claiming the province has made historic investments in the correctional system, allocating $500 million for facility upgrades and staffing improvements. Moniz also mentioned the establishment of a new Health Services Division to aid those in custody.

Human Rights Advocates Call for Urgent Reforms

The Canadian Civil Liberties Association is insisting that the province take concrete steps to implement jury recommendations, stressing that improved conditions in prisons are vital for upholding the human dignity of inmates—many of whom are still awaiting their trials and presumed innocent. NDP justice critic Kristyn Wong-Tam has called for honesty and transparency regarding government actions on these crucial issues.

Lessons from the Past: A Need for Immediate Change

The inquest revealed disturbing details about Soleiman's treatment during incarceration. Despite suffering from schizophrenia, he was never taken to a hospital or evaluated by a psychiatrist. On the 11th day of his imprisonment, he died following a violent encounter with jail guards, prompting a call for an independent inspectorate for corrections to ensure accountability.

Path Forward: The Fight for Justice Continues

With recommendations including the establishment of independent oversight mechanisms and proper mental healthcare protocols, the Faqiri family’s fight for justice remains pressing and unresolved. The province has yet to legally bind itself to implementing these recommendations, leaving many questions unanswered about the future of mental healthcare and inmate treatment in Ontario jails.