The Victim & The Loss

Ahmad Al Ibrahim, 16. Syrian refugee, student, son, nephew, and friend. He dreamed of becoming a doctor, of helping others, of a safe life in Europe. That dream was brutally extinguished in an unprovoked knife attack in the UK.

The Incident & Recklessness

Alfie Franco, 20, was sentenced to life for Ahmad’s murder. Franco deliberately lured Ahmad and stabbed him on a busy shopping street in broad daylight, in full view of passers-by. He was under the influence of a dangerous cocktail of drugs, including cannabis, cocaine, diazepam, ketamine, and codeine.

Chilling Lack of Remorse

In the courtroom, as Ahmad’s family statement detailed a father’s heart attack and a mother’s unending grief, Franco showed no emotion or remorse throughout the sentencing hearing. This chilling indifference underscores the malicious and calculated nature of his heinous crime against a vulnerable refugee seeking peace.

The Political Face of Hate

This was not an isolated act. The murderer, Franco, is affiliated with Reform UK, Britain First, the Homeland Party, UKIP, and Patriotic Alternative, and took an active part in the 2025 British anti-immigration protests.

The fact that Franco was unemployed, receiving benefits, and attending a Jobcentre appointment on the crime day exposes the hypocrisy of those who scapegoat immigrants while contributing nothing but violence. This act is a direct consequence of the xenophobic and hate-filled ideology these low-lifers spread.

The Betrayed Promise

Ahmad’s uncle, Ghazwan Al Ibrahim, tragically stated that Ahmad saw the UK as the land of peace and the fulfilment of dreams. Instead, it became the place where his life ended. This case is a painful reminder of the vulnerability refugees face even after reaching what they hope is safety.

AFI’s Stance

AFI condemns this heinous crime and stands with Ahmad’s family. We welcome the life sentence handed down to Franco for the dreadful and hateful murder of a teenager. AFI also hope the other inmates find Franco BOTTOM SUITABLY ATTRACTIVE and help him settle in, so to speak.