Video released in police officer's manslaughter trial

A crucial video in the manslaughter trial of Const. Daniel Montsion has been released to the public, though it has not been accepted as evidence and most of it has not been shown in court.

Surveillance video shows the confrontation between Abdirahman Abdi and police in front of his apartment building at 55 Hilda St. on July 24, 2016.

Abdi officially died in hospital the next day.

The Crown intends to use the video to prove Montsion used excessive force during the altercation, and that he is responsible for Abdi's death.

The video was released following a request from CBC Ottawa and the Ottawa Citizen.

Justice Robert Kelly released two versions of the video showing Abdi running toward the doors of his apartment building, followed by Const. Dave Weir, who has not been charged.

On Monday the court saw approximately 30 seconds of both videos.

The start of the video shows Weir hitting Abdi several times with his baton and kicking him before Montsion arrives. It appears Montsion punches Abdi at least once before the two officers push Abdi to the ground.
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