Overview
- Shabir Ahmed was automatically released on licence after serving 14 years and is now living in supervised accommodation under strict conditions.
- His licence requires 24/7 staffed accommodation at first, electronic GPS monitoring, an exclusion zone around parts of Rochdale and lifetime registration as a sex offender.
- The Home Office says the Immigration Act 1971 prevents deporting some Commonwealth arrivals who settled before 1973 and removal also depends on Pakistan agreeing to accept him.
- Survivors have said they were not properly informed of his release and have reported fear, anger and inadequate victim support, renewing criticism of past police and local authority failings.
- Downing Street has asked the Home Secretary to consider options, officials have opened talks with Pakistan, and MPs from across parties are urging legal or diplomatic steps that could include amending the current immigration bill.