Jake Fahri, 35, has been recalled to prison after being released on licence in June 2023. Fahri initially served a 14-year sentence for the brutal murder of 16-year-old Jimmy Mizen in 2008. The murder took place in a bakery in Lee, south-east London, when Fahri threw a glass dish that shattered and severed an artery in Jimmy's neck. This week, authorities returned Fahri to custody following the release of music with lyrics referencing the crime.
Jimmy Mizen's family has been seeking answers about why Fahri's music, which appears to boast about the murder, was allowed to be aired. Margaret Mizen, Jimmy's mother and an MBE recipient for her charitable work since her son's death, has expressed her deep concern over the situation. She described herself as "a little bit numb" upon learning about the music, which includes lyrics such as "Stuck it on a man and watched him melt like Ben and Jerry's."
The BBC has come under scrutiny for airing some of Fahri's music through its Radio 1Xtra's Introducing show. A BBC spokesperson clarified that "this individual does not feature on any BBC playlists" and that they "have never played – as we pointed out to the Sun – the lyrics they have printed." However, Fahri has had two tracks played twice on the show. The broadcaster stated, "1Xtra has no further plans to play his music, we were not aware of his background and we in no way condone his actions."
The controversy has drawn reactions from high-ranking officials. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy extended her "heartfelt condolences" to Jimmy's family and highlighted the need for further investigation, saying, "I think there's some questions there certainly for the parole board." She added, "I think this is a horrendous case, and obviously I think the BBC in particular will want to reflect on the featuring of the person who killed him."
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's office also called for accountability from the BBC. A spokesperson stated, "He thinks the BBC needs to answer some questions pretty urgently." They further emphasized, "And obviously I've seen that the individual involved has now been returned to custody and his release or otherwise will be a matter for an independent parole board." The spokesperson reiterated, "I reiterate the Prime Minister's thoughts with Jimmy Mizen's family who deserve better than to see their son's murderer shamelessly boasting about his violent crime."
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