DATA & FIGURES
Shabir Ahmed was 73 years old when released, had served two-thirds of his 22-year sentence, and was deemed a 'high risk of sexual offending' in 2023. He was jailed for 22 years in 2012 after being convicted of rape and sexual abuse charges spanning two separate trials. 50 girls were raped, abused, and trafficked by Ahmed and his associates from about 2008.
THE SCENARIO
The release of Shabir Ahmed has sparked concern among his victims and the community, with many questioning the decision to free him despite his deemed 'high risk' to children. The case has also highlighted the issue of victims not being informed of their abusers' release, with one victim saying she found out about Ahmed's release through a news story. The government has said it is working to explore 'all possible options' to deport Ahmed, who was stripped of his British citizenship after his convictions.
DIRECT QUOTE
"I feel he should have stayed locked up. He shouldn’t be allowed out. I’m not scared so much of him, I’m scared of his contacts that he’s got. I feel like for me, I am their target." — Amber, Victim of Shabir Ahmed
BBN INSIGHT
The release of Shabir Ahmed has sparked concern among his victims and the community, with many questioning the decision to free him despite his deemed 'high risk' to children. The Positive Side: The case has highlighted the need for greater support and protection for victims of abuse, with many calling for more to be done to inform and involve victims in the parole process. The Negative Side: The release of Ahmed has also raised concerns about the risk of reoffending, with many worrying about the safety of the community, particularly children. The case has also highlighted the issue of loopholes in the law, with Ahmed unable to be deported due to his arrival in the UK before 1971.