Five months after the conclusion of a coroner’s inquest into the death of Soleiman Faqiri, a mentally ill man who died in an Ontario jail, his family has expressed frustration that the province has not implemented any of the 57 recommendations made to prevent similar deaths in the future. The inquest ruling his death as a homicide provided validation to the family, but they are disappointed in the lack of action taken by the province. One of the recommendations, which called for a statement recognizing that jails are not suitable environments for individuals with significant mental health issues, has not been fulfilled – even though it had a 60-day deadline.
Soleiman Faqiri was arrested in December 2016 after allegedly stabbing a neighbor during a mental health crisis. He died after a violent altercation with correctional officers while being escorted from the shower to his segregation cell. Despite showing signs of worsening mental health during his time at the Central East Correctional Centre, where many staff members expressed concerns about him, Faqiri never received proper medical attention. He was not taken to a hospital or seen by a psychiatrist, highlighting deficiencies in mental health care within the correctional system.
The recommendations issued by the coroner’s inquest are not legally binding, and the finding of homicide does not carry any legal liability. However, the Faqiri family and advocates are pushing for accountability and meaningful change within the correctional system to better support individuals with mental health issues. The failure to implement the recommendations has raised concerns about systemic issues and the lack of progress in ensuring the safety and well-being of vulnerable individuals within the prison system.
Yusuf Faqiri, Soleiman’s brother, has been vocal in calling for justice and accountability following his brother’s death. He has criticized the province for not taking action on the recommendations, including the simple acknowledgment that jails are not appropriate environments for individuals struggling with mental health issues. The lack of response from the Solicitor General’s office to requests for comment has added to the frustration and sense of neglect felt by the family and advocates.
The case of Soleiman Faqiri highlights the challenges faced by individuals with mental illness within the criminal justice system and the need for improved oversight and access to mental health care. The failure to implement the recommendations from the inquest raises questions about the commitment of the province to address these issues and prevent similar tragedies in the future. The Faqiri family continues to push for accountability and change, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and addressing the systemic barriers that contribute to the mistreatment of individuals with mental health issues in correctional facilities.
In conclusion, the lack of action taken by the province in response to the recommendations from the coroner’s inquest into Soleiman Faqiri’s death underscores the need for systemic change and accountability within the correctional system. The family’s frustration and advocacy efforts bring attention to the ongoing challenges faced by individuals with mental illness in the criminal justice system and the importance of ensuring their safety and well-being. The case serves as a reminder of the work that still needs to be done to address the shortcomings in mental health care and support for vulnerable populations within correctional facilities.
