Breaking News: Law Change to Deport Rochdale Grooming Gang Ringleader
The UK Home Secretary plans to change the law to allow the deportation of Shabir Ahmed, the ringleader of a Rochdale grooming gang. This change will amend the 1971 Immigration Act, which currently prevents his removal from the UK.
Ahmed, 73, was jailed for 22 years in 2012 for multiple child sexual offenses, including rape. He was released on license last week. Ahmed holds dual British-Pakistani citizenship but lost his British citizenship after his conviction.
At the time of his release, it was stated that he could not be deported due to the Immigration Act, which protects Commonwealth citizens who arrived in the UK before 1973. Following his release, Ahmed is living in 24-hour monitored accommodation and is subject to strict license conditions, including a GPS tag.
Some victims expressed fear upon his release, feeling unsafe. The government has stated that any breach of his license conditions would lead to his immediate return to prison.
Changes to the law may take up to a year, and there is currently no agreement with Pakistan for his deportation.
