Police are accused of racism following the death of Abdirahman Abdi on July 24th in Ottawa.  The accusation gained momentum, with the African Canadian Legal Clinic, Somali Community and Social Justice Groups across Canada uniting to call for an investigation into police-related deaths.  They further demand improvements in police training and regulation, to be made according to the findings of the probe.

There has been widespread blame for Abdi's death and Mayor Jim Watson has not gone unscathed.  Among the accusations was an assertion by Yamikani Msosa, of the Sexual Assault Support Centre of Ottawa, that the Mayor's response implies the lives of black people in Ottawa are less valuable than others.

Margaret Parsons of the African Canadian Legal Clinic, said Mayor Watson was remiss in not meeting with the Somali Community.  The mayor responded by confirming he has reached out to the Somali Community and has set future appointments with them.  He added that there was enormous value in awaiting the outcome of the Special Unit's Investigation (SUI), before jumping to potentially incorrect conclusions.

Abdi (37) was arrested following multiple 911 calls from people in Bridgehead Coffee Shop.  Owner Tracey Clark, told CBC Radio on Friday that the calls were motivated by the behavior of Mr. Abdi, and had nothing to do with his race.

Clark confirmed there had been previous incidents between the deceased and patrons of Bridgehead, that had led to interventions with Abdi.  The incident highlights the fine line between upholding the law and protecting the rights of all citizens, at all times.

Policemen and women worldwide are called to a duty of honor, irrespective of the race and culture of those they encounter during the course of their duty. At best, the SUI will highlight areas where police could be trained and empowered to better perform their duties, especially where victims and suspects have special needs.  At worst, it could expose a far darker truth in Margaret Parson's assertion that police saw Abdi's skin color before they saw his mental condition.