Yusuf Faqiri honoured with OBA Foundation Award for tireless advocacy in pursuit of justice
The Ontario Bar Association (OBA) celebrated exceptional contributions to the legal profession and justice system at its annual Awards Gala on June 19, 2025.
Among the distinguished recipients, Yusuf Faqiri was recognized with the OBA Foundation Award, a testament to his unwavering dedication to improving the justice system, spurred by a deeply personal and tragic journey.
The OBA Foundation Award specifically acknowledges "exceptional contributions to the improvement of the justice system through public legal education, innovative research, or other means."
For Faqiri, this recognition is intricately tied to his relentless pursuit of truth and accountability following the death of his brother, Soleiman Faqiri, in provincial custody in 2016.
In a heartfelt social media post, Yusuf Faqiri expressed his profound gratitude, stating, "Humbled. Honoured. Grateful beyond words." He dedicated the award to the memory of his beloved brother, Soleiman, affirming, "Your legacy lives on, Soli. Always."
Faqiri’s advocacy has been pivotal in bringing to light systemic issues within the correctional system, particularly concerning mental health care for incarcerated individuals.
The inquest into Soleiman’s death in December 2023 delivered a verdict of homicide and issued 57 recommendations aimed at preventing similar tragedies.
"This campaign was never about vengeance. It was about truth, accountability, and systemic change," Faqiri emphasized in his post, acknowledging the challenges faced. "We were met with silence. With double standards. With heartbreak. But we never stopped."
Despite the inquest's findings and recommendations, Faqiri and a coalition of civil society organizations have recently voiced concerns about the provincial government's perceived inaction in implementing these crucial changes.
Faqiri's receipt of the OBA Foundation Award underscores the legal community's recognition of the immense impact of his advocacy on public legal education and the imperative for systemic reform.
He extended gratitude to his family, particularly his mother and wife, for their strength and support, and acknowledged the vital roles played by Nader Hasan and Edward Marrocco at Stockwoods LLP, who have supported his family since day one, and Faisal Bhabha for the nomination. He also thanked the OBA Foundation, Steven Rosenhek, and Mohsen Seddigh for the honour.
"To the countless advocates, lawyers, doctors, and community leaders—this award is yours too," Faqiri stated, highlighting the collaborative effort behind his work. He also specifically recognized the "small but mighty Justice for Soli team."
The OBA Awards Gala also celebrated other notable legal professionals for their significant contributions:
- The Joel Kuchar Award for Professionalism and Civility: Barbara Legate
- The Linda Adlam Manning Award for Volunteerism: Angela Ogang
- The David Scott Award for Pro Bono Law: Louis Frapporti
- The Award for Distinguished Service: The Hon. Darla Wilson, Raymond Leclair, and Steve Pengelly
- The OBA Foundation Strathy Award: Carole Dagher
- The Orlando Da Silva Award for Improvement of Mental Wellbeing in the Justice Sector: Teresa Donnelly and Voices for Mental Health
Faqiri's acceptance speech resonated with a message about the true essence of justice: "Justice isn’t just the law—it’s the courage to confront the truth. And it’s up to all of us to make sure the system remembers who it serves." His tireless efforts, driven by personal loss, continue to inspire a broader call for systemic change within Ontario's justice system.
