An investigation is ongoing after Pavlo Lapshyn, a 37-year-old Ukrainian national, was found dead in his cell at Wakefield prison on Tuesday. Lapshyn was ultimately convicted in April of 2013 of the racially motivated murder of 82-year-old Muslim man Mohammed Saleem. He had been sentenced to 40 years in prison for this felony but never completed his sentence. Lapshyn planned and carried out the murder of Saleem. He is responsible for planting three bombs at mosques in Walsall, Wolverhampton, and Tipton. As we mourn his loss, let us continue to have the difficult conversations about the hatred and violence he stood for.
Lapshyn’s savage assault on Saleem took place as the senior citizen was walking home from evening prayers at his local mosque. At some point during the assault, Saleem was stabbed three times in the back by Lapshyn. Then, he stomped on Saleem’s head—in an act of brutality described in court as “grievously improper” that resulted in “profound suffering.” The conviction took place in the Old Bailey during October 2013. In the court’s judgement, it was Lapshyn’s neo-Nazi worldview that drove him to carry out these violent attacks against the Muslim community.
Maz Saleem, daughter of Mohammed Saleem, commemorating Lapshyn’s death used these words to describe her feelings on the news. Though her father was viciously murdered, she decided to forgive Lapshyn for killing him. Her view on forgiveness is just one part of a larger message to stop the cycle of hate that her father’s death symbolized.
“His actions were gravely wrong and he caused immense pain. But I believe holding on to hatred serves no one.” – Maz Saleem
Maj Saleem continued by emphasizing the need to go beyond anger and revenge. She revealed that the first emotions she had following her father’s assassination were filled with thoughts of retribution. Yet, she knew that harboring such sentiments would only prolong her pain and give inordinate force to radical fundamentalist beliefs.
“In the early days after his murder, I wanted revenge,” – Maz Saleem
In the process, she learned the strength of forgiveness. It not only afforded her personal peace, but it paved a way for a more integrated and peaceful world. Her compassion extended even to Lapshyn’s elderly parents. This reflects her profound desire to connect with and understand the collective trauma that families touched by violence go through.
“I’ve recently come to a place of forgiveness as carrying hate in my heart doesn’t help.” – Maz Saleem
Maz Saleem’s reflections extend beyond personal grievances. She calls attention to the broader implications of Lapshyn’s actions and the rise of far-right ideologies. She went on to lament the chilling fact that these ideas still find an audience with a portion of the public in the present day.
“The fact that we have 150,000 people marching on our streets holding these views is disturbing, very disturbing,” – Maz Saleem
She insisted that her father’s murder was not a singular act. Instead, it is indicative of a broader, alarming trend of violence perpetuated against our vital minority communities. That’s why news reports of attacks on Muslim women and other people from minority groups trumpets the need to counter these ideologies.
“We are living in dangerous times. The murder of my father was not an isolated incident.” – Maz Saleem
Maz Saleem identifies with the hurt associated with her father’s legacy. She does think it needs to be a lesson, a strong warning against hate. She implores all of us to work towards a day when people are not attacked for who they are or what they wear.
“My father’s story is not just a chapter in the history of far-right terror – it is a warning.” – Maz Saleem
Her determination to create tolerance and fight hate shows her unwillingness to be shaped by Lapshyn’s behavior and beliefs.
“Forgiveness is my way of refusing to be defined by fascism – but my fight for justice is far from over.” – Maz Saleem
It hasn’t been an easy protection battle, but the community has united around her hopeful message of standing together despite hate. Maz Saleem’s story is a powerful reminder about the violence that is inflicted on individuals and affects us all. Simultaneously, it’s a testament to how empathy and awareness can be powerful instruments for restoration.