Margaret Mizen, the mother of Jimmy Mizen, a teenager tragically murdered in 2008, has expressed her unwavering resolve to never meet her son’s killer, Jake Fahri. Her decision stems from a deep-seated fear that any encounter would result in further pain and insult. Fahri’s recent return to prison, following his release on license, has reignited the agonizing memories of Jimmy’s death and exacerbated Margaret’s apprehension. The Sun’s investigation revealed Fahri’s involvement in violent drill rap music, where he seemingly boasted about his crimes, further solidifying Margaret’s conviction to avoid any contact.
In the initial aftermath of Jimmy’s murder, Margaret harbored a desire to understand the motivations behind Fahri’s violent act. She yearned to comprehend the anger that drove him to commit such a heinous crime. The questions lingered in her mind, unanswered, fueled by a mother’s desperate need for closure. However, over time, her perspective shifted. The potential for further emotional distress, coupled with the fear of Fahri’s callous indifference or even outright hostility, has overshadowed her initial desire for dialogue. She now believes that a meeting would only serve to reopen old wounds and inflict further pain.
Fahri, who now goes by the rap alias TEN, was released on license in 2023 after serving 14 years of a life sentence. The Parole Board’s decision was met with disbelief and outrage when The Sun uncovered his involvement in drill music, a genre often criticized for its violent and graphic lyrics. Fahri’s lyrics, as reported by The Sun, appeared to contain chilling references to Jimmy’s murder, further fueling the Mizen family’s anguish. The apparent lack of remorse and blatant disregard for the impact of his actions on the victim’s family has hardened Margaret’s resolve to maintain her distance.
The brutal nature of Jimmy’s death continues to haunt Margaret. He was just 16 years old when Fahri, then 19, attacked him in a bakery in Lee, South East London. During the altercation, Fahri hurled a Pyrex dish at Jimmy, severing an artery and causing his untimely death. Despite pleading not guilty, Fahri was convicted of murder following a two-week trial at the Old Bailey in 2009. The senseless violence that claimed Jimmy’s life has left an indelible scar on his family and community.
Following Jimmy’s death, Margaret channeled her grief into establishing The Mizen Foundation, an organization dedicated to promoting peace and discouraging violence among young people. She has tirelessly worked to transform her personal tragedy into a force for positive change, inspiring countless others to choose peace over violence. In light of Fahri’s disturbing foray into drill music, Margaret has intensified her calls for censorship of violent lyrics, arguing that such content glorifies violence and desensitizes listeners to its devastating consequences.
Margaret’s plea for censorship underscores the wider debate surrounding freedom of expression and the potential harm caused by violent and graphic lyrics. While some argue that censorship infringes upon artistic freedom, Margaret and others contend that the glorification of violence in music contributes to a culture of aggression and can have detrimental effects on young people. Her stance reflects her unwavering commitment to creating a safer and more peaceful society, a mission inspired by the tragic loss of her son and fueled by her desire to prevent similar tragedies from occurring. Her advocacy work stands as a testament to her resilience and her determination to create a positive legacy in Jimmy’s name.
