Hiiraan Online
Wednesday March 29, 2017
Ottawa police officers and their supporters have purchased 1,200 of these wristbands, which bear the words 'united we stand,' 'divided we fall' and the number 1998, which is Const. Daniel Montsion's badge number. (Amanda Pfeffer/CBC)
Ottawa (HOL) - A local group seeking justice for Abdirahman Abdi is “outraged” and “disappointed by the public expression of solidarity by members of Ottawa police officers in support of the Const. Daniel Monsion – the officer that was charged with manslaughter of March 6 for the death of Abdirahman Abdi.
The Justice for Abdirahman Coalition said that the launch of a bracelet in campaign was an insult to the Abdi family who is still grieving. In a press statement released on Wednesday, the group said it was “deeply disturbed by this campaign and urge ally officers and members of the Ottawa community to not partake in wearing these bracelets.” The group also asked the Ottawa Police Board to issue a directive to members of the police service from wearing the bracelets while on the job.
“As we have said many times during this entire ordeal, the problem with the Ottawa police is the actions of few going unchecked by the organization. It is high time for this narrative to change. As such, we also call on the Ottawa Police Board to stand up and take a concrete stance by issuing a directive to block these bracelets from being worn by any member of the police service during active duty.”
Farhia Ahmed, Co-Chair of the Coalition expressed her outrage at the solidarity movement. “This is not a traffic violation we are dealing with, this is manslaughter, a cold-blooded killing of a civilian by an officer on the sunshine list”. Farhia also blasted Ottawa Police Association president Matt Skof for comments he made in an interview. The union boss said that the bracelet was an expression of support for a colleague in “difficult profession going through a very difficult time”.
William Felepchuk, member of the Coalition said there would be collective outrage if the roles were reversed. “Imagine if the tables were turned and there was a fundraiser or support campaign for a civilian who brutalized and murdered an officer, there would be outrage”
“No one is contesting that policing is difficult. We honour and respect the hard work and sacrifice of those who serve and protect with dignity. The problem is with people like Matt Skof and other members who choose to wear these bracelets that tarnish the integrity of the police service”.
Abdirahman Abdi died on July 24th 2016 during a violent arrest by the Ottawa Police outside his apartment building. As a result, the Justice for Abdirahman Coalition was formed within days to demand greater transparency and fight on behalf of the Abdi family.