Soleiman Faqiri’s death caused by jail guards’ actions, chief pathologist concludes

Ontario’s chief forensic pathologist says the death of a 30-year-old man in the throes of crisis was caused by the actions of jail guards.

Dr. Michael Pollanen says in a report that Soleiman Faqiri died on Dec. 15, 2016, after being beaten, pepper sprayed and restrained in a prone position in a segregation cell at Central East Correctional Facility.

Pollanen says Faqiri’s schizophrenia had worsened significantly during his 11 days in the jail and he was set to be moved to a psychiatric facility for help.

Pollanen says Faqiri had an enlarged heart and his exhausting “violent struggle” with jail guards were key factors in his death.

The coroner’s office had previously concluded in 2017 that Faqiri’s cause of death was “unascertainable.”

Faqiri’s brother, Yusuf Faqiri, says the report now leaves no doubt about what happened that day.

“Today leaves no doubt, no mystery of the guards actions leading to the beating death of Soleiman Faqiri,” he told CityNews. “So what else are we waiting for? The police need to do their job and press criminal charges against the guards.”

In a statement to CityNews, the Ontario Provincial Police acknowledged receipt of the Pollanen report and said they are reviewing it, but did not comment on the possibility of charges being laid.

“It would be inappropriate to comment further at this time to preserve the integrity of any ensuing court processes. The OPP sincerely sympathize with the Faqiri family as they have suffered great personal loss,” they said.

Faqiri said he and his family have no faith left in the police, but they will continue to fight for those responsible for his brother’s death to be brought to justice.

“It’s a day filled with mixed emotions. Every time when there’s a finding or something is revealed about Soli, we relive the trauma and the tragedy,” he said. “But it’s a day filled with some semblance of hope that maybe, maybe the police will do the right thing.”

While the Faqiri family continues to grieve, he says the Pollanen report provides some semblance of hope, not only for his family, but also for all those criminalized due to mental illness.

“Today is bigger than the Faqiri family, it’s bigger than Soleiman Faqiri — it’s a day for all Canadian suffering from mental illness in a fatal nexus of incarceration and mental illness,” he said.

“This is a fight for the soul of our society, for the soul of our country and our province, because people with mental illness should not be given to their families in body bags. People with mental illness should not be killed under government care and not have accountability and transparency after more than five years.”