Sister of Yousef Makki Calls for Justice System Reform After Trial

The sister of Yousef Makki, a teenager fatally stabbed in 2019, has made a passionate appeal for reform of the criminal justice system following what she describes as a “character assassination” during the trial of his alleged killer. Jade Akoum highlighted how her brother’s background and interests were manipulated to portray him as the aggressor, undermining the truth of the tragic incident that unfolded in Hale Barns, Greater Manchester.

Yousef, a 17-year-old student at Manchester Grammar School, was killed during a confrontation with his friend, Joshua Molnar. Molnar, who was also 17 and from a wealthy family, was acquitted of both murder and manslaughter, claiming self-defence. Akoum’s call for change comes after the family faced significant challenges navigating the justice system, which she feels marginalized them and failed to adequately represent Yousef’s character.

During a discussion at Manchester University focused on inequalities within the criminal justice system, Akoum expressed her disillusionment with the process. “Before 2019, our family had never set foot inside a criminal court nor had any involvement with the police at all,” she stated. “We walked into the court hopeful that the truth would matter; we walked out devastated that it didn’t.”

Impact of the Trial on Yousef’s Family

Akoum recounted the emotional toll of the trial, where her family’s efforts to present Yousef’s true character were systematically ignored. Despite being a high-achieving student with aspirations to become a heart surgeon, his accomplishments were overshadowed by negative portrayals. The family requested that the headteacher of Manchester Grammar School provide a character reference, but this was disregarded.

The trial environment further alienated Yousef’s parents, who struggled with health issues. Akoum’s late mother, Debbie, suffered from severe arthritis, and their father, Ghaleb, was on crutches. They were forced to observe the proceedings from an upstairs gallery, detached from the courtroom action and unable to adequately confront inaccuracies presented by the defence.

At one point, the court inadvertently played distressing police bodycam footage showing attempts to save Yousef’s life, prompting Akoum to leave in anguish. “That was when I realized we mattered so little,” she said, reflecting on the family’s experience.

Calls for Accountability and Change

Akoum criticized the portrayal of her brother as “angry and confrontational,” arguing it reflected bias against individuals from working-class backgrounds. “They had painted a picture of him that was so far from the truth, as if his background made him unworthy of protection,” she remarked. “His passion was boxing. This was used to portray him as the aggressor.”

Despite the challenges, the family continued to seek justice. Molnar was ultimately convicted for lying to police and possessing a knife in public, receiving a 16-month sentence. However, the criminal trial concluded without accountability for Yousef’s death. A subsequent inquest in 2021 yielded a narrative verdict, citing insufficient evidence to classify the death as unlawful or accidental. The family pursued a judicial review, leading to a second inquest in November 2023, which finally determined Yousef had been unlawfully killed.

The new coroner’s findings were a turning point, dismissing the defence’s claims and highlighting the lack of evidence suggesting Yousef had a weapon. Akoum noted that while the verdict was a significant relief, it did not equate to true justice. “The defendant couldn’t be tried again; we had answers but no accountability,” she stated.

The case has gained considerable media attention and has been featured in multiple documentaries, highlighting systemic issues within the justice system. Akoum emphasized that Yousef’s story symbolizes broader societal problems related to race and class. “We owe it not just to Yousef but to every person who believes in fairness to demand better from our justice system,” she urged.

Officials from Greater Manchester Police acknowledged the family’s distress and reiterated their commitment to justice. The Ministry of Justice expressed condolences and indicated that improvements to the Victims’ Code would be considered to enhance support for families navigating the court process.

As Akoum reflects on the toll the ordeal has taken on her family, she emphasized the need for change in how bereaved families are treated in the legal system. “No family should have to balance their pain with the weight of fighting to be heard,” she concluded, urging for a justice system that prioritizes dignity and accountability for all victims.