A coroner’s inquest has been called into the death of Soleiman Faqiri, a man who died while in custody at the Central East Correctional Centre in Lindsay, Ont.
Dr. Paul Dungey, regional supervising coroner for East Region Kingston Office, announced the inquest on Friday. Faqiri, 30, of Ajax, Ont., died on Dec. 15, 2016.
“The inquest will examine the events surrounding his death,” stated Dungey.
The inquest — which is mandatory — was delayed as City of Kawartha Lakes Police Service investigated Faqiri’s death. On Monday, police stated there were no grounds to lay criminal charges and that their 11-month investigation was complete.
During their investigation, police stated Faqiri had been involved in an altercation with jail guards. He had been brought to the Lindsay jail 11 days before his death after being arrested by Durham police on charges of assault and uttering threats.
Family said Faqiri had mental health issues including schizophrenia and needed to be transferred to another facility. They’ve been highly critical of police for their handling of the investigation and say there’s been a lack of transparency.
A coroner’s report said Faqiri had dozens of bruises from blunt force trauma but the cause of death was “unascertained.”
The inquest was delayed until the police investigation was complete.
“An inquest is mandatory under the Coroners Act,” said Dungey. “The jury may make recommendations aimed at preventing similar deaths.”
A date and location for the inquest have yet to be announced.