A shadow hangs over the streets of Rochdale as the imminent release of Shabir Ahmed draws near. The 73-year-old former leader of a notorious grooming gang is set to walk free from prison this week, despite being convicted of multiple child rape charges in 2012. His release has left a trail of distress among his victims and community members, who fear for their safety.
Ahmed's case is marred by a legal loophole that prevents his deportation to Pakistan, his country of birth. According to the Government, provisions within the Immigration Act 1971 prohibit his removal due to his arrival in the UK before 1973 and subsequent five-year residency period. This technicality has sparked outrage among those who advocate for justice for victims.
Labour's prospective Prime Minister Andy Burnham has pledged to tackle this issue head-on, vowing to instruct a comprehensive review of all available options to remove Ahmed from the country. He stressed that the welfare of victims must take precedence in addressing this situation. His commitment marks a significant policy intervention since becoming the likely successor to the current Labour leader.
The stringent conditions Ahmed will face upon release – including being banned from Rochdale, subject to curfews, and required to wear an electronic tag – offer little comfort to those who have suffered at his hands. One victim, referred to as Ruby, has expressed her fear for her own safety and that of her children, highlighting the continued influence Ahmed wields in the wider Greater Manchester area.
Concerns about Ahmed's release have been echoed by former government officials and victim advocates. Alex Davies-Jones, who resigned as Victims' Minister in May, described the inability to deport Ahmed as "horrific" and urged prioritisation of victims' voices. Claire Waxman, the Victims' Commissioner, pointed out that victims were previously misinformed about Ahmed's deportation, leading to further upset and eroding trust in the justice system.
The leader of Rochdale Council, Neil Emmott, has also voiced deep concern about the impact of Ahmed's release on survivors in the town. A Home Office spokesperson reiterated their thoughts with those affected by these "appalling crimes," acknowledging the Rochdale scandal as "one of the darkest moments in our country's history." They confirmed that Ahmed will face lifelong registration as a sex offender and a ban on contacting any child or young person, with his movements tracked.