Sister of Yousef Makki Calls for Justice System Reform After Trial Trauma

The sister of Yousef Makki, a teenager who was fatally stabbed in 2019, has made a compelling appeal for reform within the criminal justice system. Jade Akoum criticized the portrayal of her brother during the trial of his killer, Joshua Molnar, and highlighted how biases against working-class victims can skew justice.

Yousef Makki, who was 17 years old at the time of his death, was stabbed during a confrontation with Molnar, who was also 17 and from a wealthy background. The incident occurred in Hale Barns, Greater Manchester, on March 2, 2019. Molnar was acquitted of both murder and manslaughter, claiming self-defence. Akoum described the trial as a “character assassination” that depicted her brother as the aggressor, undermining his achievements and background.

Speaking at a discussion on inequalities in the criminal justice system at Manchester University, Akoum expressed her disillusionment with the judicial process. She remarked, “Before 2019, our family had never set foot inside a criminal court nor had any involvement with the police at all. We had been raised to trust the system and we had full confidence in the British justice system.”

Akoum emphasized that the trial process left her family feeling marginalized. She recounted how her parents, including her mother, who suffered from debilitating arthritis, were forced to observe the proceedings from an upstairs gallery, cut off from the courtroom atmosphere. This lack of direct engagement hindered their ability to counteract the negative portrayal of Yousef, who was a scholarship student at the prestigious Manchester Grammar School and had aspirations of becoming a heart surgeon.

The trial not only left emotional scars but also raised significant questions about the treatment of victims from different socio-economic backgrounds. Akoum questioned why some victims are viewed more sympathetically than others and highlighted the biases associated with accents and postcodes. “Why is character assassination still used so effectively in courtrooms, especially against young victims of working-class backgrounds?” she asked.

During the proceedings, a moment of distress occurred when police bodycam footage showing attempts to revive Yousef was played unexpectedly, prompting Akoum to leave the courtroom due to the emotional impact. “That was when I realized we mattered so little,” she stated.

In November 2023, a significant development occurred when a new inquest found that Yousef was unlawfully killed by Molnar. The coroner concluded that there was no evidence to support the defense’s claim that Yousef had been armed at the time of the incident. This verdict came after a lengthy and arduous journey through the legal system, including an initial inquest that recorded a narrative verdict citing “insufficient evidence.”

Despite the recent ruling, Akoum pointed out that the legal system still lacks accountability. “The defendant couldn’t be tried again; we had answers but no accountability,” she noted. The anticipated Hillsborough Law, which aims to provide bereaved families with equal legal representation at inquests, could potentially benefit cases like Yousef’s in the future.

Akoum’s fight for justice has taken a heavy toll on her family. Her mother passed away from sepsis just 14 months after Yousef’s death, and Akoum herself suffered a stroke during the lengthy legal battles. “We were pulled into a world of procedure and questions when our hearts were already so heavy,” she explained.

In response to Akoum’s testimony, Pete Weatherby, a barrister representing Yousef’s family, underscored the systemic issues of race and class that affected the trial. He highlighted Yousef’s potential and the tragic loss of his future to a privileged individual who acted in anger.

The Greater Manchester Police acknowledged the distress felt by Akoum and her family throughout the ordeal. A spokesperson stated, “We have always expressed our commitment to get justice for Yousef’s family and have worked to support them throughout the criminal justice process.”

The Ministry of Justice has indicated that it will consult on improvements to the Victims’ Code to enhance support for families navigating the legal system. Meanwhile, the Crown Prosecution Service reiterated its commitment to ensuring that victims do not feel distressed during court proceedings.

Jade Akoum continues to advocate for meaningful changes in the way the justice system interacts with bereaved families, emphasizing that Yousef’s story represents more than just one loss; it is a reflection of the broader systemic issues that can lead to injustice. “We owe it not just to Yousef but to every person who believes in fairness to demand better from our justice system,” she concluded.