By Eddie Benhin
In a moment reminiscent of history lessons, Yusuf Faqiri’s poignant opening statement via Zoom reverberated: “This should be (taught) in history classes, but unfortunately it is the present.”
Faqiri spoke at the Institute of Criminology and Criminal Justice’s Winter 2024 Colloquium, No More Deaths in Custody. The event aimed to spotlight the systemic issues within Canada’s prison systems. “This is the work we are forced to do, and it’s a life and death issue,” Faqiri asserted early on.
Yusuf Faqiri, Founder of Justice for Soli, and brother of Soleiman Faqiri, who tragically died in custody in 2016 at the Central East Correctional Centre, shared his emotional yet compelling account of his brother’s passing. Faqiri exposed the numerous policy breaches and fraudulent reporting surrounding that fateful day.
Yusuf Faqiri, Founder of Justice for Soli, and brother of Soleiman Faqiri, who tragically died in custody in 2016 at the Central East Correctional Centre
“There is no external oversight in Provincial correction – no criminal accountability for the death of Soleiman Faqiri,” Faqiri lamented.
The colloquium featured a distinguished panel of experts, including Lydia Dobson and Alexandria Bonney from Prisoner Legal Supports and Megan Linton, a Carleton PhD student and representative of the Ontario Disability Justice Network.
“Eighty percent of the people in these (Ontario) facilities are legally innocent – awaiting trials,” Lydia Dobson stated. Dobson expressed how there isn’t enough accountability in the legal system and how authorities are held to a different standard than regular folk.
Lydia Dobson, Prisoner Legal Supports, expressed a need for more accountability in the legal system
Alexandria Bonney revealed that there were shocking violations of the “spit-hood policy” on the day Soleiman Faqiri passed away. “Every single element of the ‘spit-hood policy’ was violated.”
Alexandria Bonney, Prisoner Legal Supports
Handled with commendable gravity by Yusuf Faqiri, the panelists, and the Institute of Criminology and Criminal Justice, the Colloquium left attendees with a resounding call to action and a reminder of our duty to hold leaders accountable.
The Faculty of Public Affairs congratulates the Institute of Criminology and Criminal Justice for hosting such a powerful colloquium. This event exemplifies the FPA Advantage, showcasing the impactful discussions and initiatives fostered at Carleton University.
Wednesday, April 24, 2024 in Blogs, General, Institute of Criminology and Criminal Justice, News
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