Grieving Mother in Belarus Seeks Justice for Daughter Murdered in Haifa
Translated & summarized from N12 by baba
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Yanina Rusinova, 31, was murdered in Haifa and died from stab wounds.
- Her husband, Ali Masswada, is under investigation for her death.
- His claims of self-harm are contradicted by evidence, police say.
- Yanina's mother, in Belarus, wants to raise her infant grandson.
- She is demanding justice for her daughter's killing.
- Yanina's body is to be returned to Belarus for burial.
The mother of Yanina (Yonit) Rusinova, a 31-year-old woman murdered in Haifa, is struggling to cope with her daughter's death while residing in Belarus. Yanina, a mother to a two-month-old baby, was found with a severe stab wound in Haifa's lower city last Thursday night and later died at Rambam Hospital. Her mother described the loss as an unimaginable pain and stated that her grandson is now the most precious thing to her, expressing a strong desire to raise him.
Yanina's husband, 28-year-old Ali Masswada, has been arrested and is under investigation for his involvement in her death. While he claims his wife attempted to harm herself, evidence has significantly strengthened suspicions against him. The court has noted his dangerousness and the risk of evidence tampering, though he continues to deny the accusations. His lawyer stated that he was the one who called for rescue forces.
The grieving grandmother expressed her commitment to caring for her grandson, calling him the part of Yanina that remains. She hopes to provide him with love and support after losing his mother. Alongside her personal grief, she is demanding answers and justice, stating, "I only hope that whoever took my daughter's life will be held fully accountable under the law, and that justice will be done."
Yanina is remembered by her mother as a beautiful person with a kind heart and pure soul, who was intelligent, sensitive, and benevolent. Her mother wishes for her to be remembered for her life and character, not solely for the tragic circumstances of her death.
The family is receiving legal assistance from the Ministry of Justice's legal aid department, with lawyer Sofi Granit-Tatzman representing them. Efforts are also underway with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to arrange for Yanina's body to be flown to Belarus for burial near her mother's home, pending the completion of the investigation. The mother awaits the opportunity to say a final farewell to her daughter before focusing on raising her grandson.
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