Pakistan ‘won’t take back’ released Rochdale grooming gang leader

Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleShabir Ahmed, the ringleader of a Rochdale grooming gang who served 14 years for multiple rapes and sexual abuse, was released from prison last week, despite having been stripped of his British citizenship. His deportation to Pakistan was prevented by a 55-year-old loophole in the Immigration Act 1971, which protects individuals who arrived in the UK before 1973 and lived there for at least five years. The home secretary is expected to announce changes to this Act next week to close the loophole, with discussions ongoing about whether this will be through fast-tracked legislation or an amendment to the Immigration and Asylum Bill. Pakistan is reportedly refusing to accept Ahmed, demanding the extradition of two political dissidents from the UK in exchange, a matter which No 10 has confirmed raising with officials in Islamabad. Victims, including one identified as "Ruby", have expressed profound fear for their safety and that of their children following Ahmed's release, calling for immediate changes to the law to ensure grooming gang members can be deported. In fullPakistan refuses to take back grooming gang ringleaderMore bulletinsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in

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