Breaking News: Home Secretary to Announce Deportation Steps for Rochdale Grooming Gang Ringleader
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood will outline legal measures on Monday to deport Shabir Ahmed, the ringleader of a Rochdale grooming gang. Ahmed was released from prison earlier this month after serving 22 years for multiple child sexual offences, including rape.
Ahmed was stripped of his British citizenship after his conviction, leaving him with only Pakistani nationality. However, a 1971 law prevents the deportation of certain Commonwealth citizens who have lived in the UK for over 50 years. It is unclear how Mahmood will address this legal issue.
Currently, Pakistan has not indicated it will accept Ahmed back, and he claims to have renounced his Pakistani citizenship. Following his release, Ahmed was placed in 24-hour monitored accommodation with a GPS tag. The government has stated that he will return to prison if he violates any licence conditions.
Some victims expressed fear and a sense of insecurity regarding his release. The Conservatives are advocating for emergency legislation to expedite the deportation process, with suggestions that changes could occur within weeks.
