Green Party leader Zack Polanski has ignited controversy by arguing that Shabir Ahmed, the convicted ringleader of the Rochdale grooming gang, should not be deported from Britain. Polanski stated that it "doesn't make sense" to remove the 73-year-old, who was found guilty of multiple counts of rape and sexual offences against girls as young as 13.
Background of the case
Ahmed was released from prison on July 2 after serving 14 years following his conviction in 2012. His deportation is currently blocked by a 1971 law that prevents the removal of a small group of Commonwealth citizens. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has pledged to amend the legislation to enable his removal.
Polanski's stance
Speaking on Good Morning Britain, Polanski said: "I don't think we should be making these [decisions] on a case-by-case basis ... He committed those crimes in Britain, so it makes sense to me that as a British citizen, he stays in a British prison. If he's still a threat, it doesn't make diplomatic sense to me for him to go and be a threat somewhere else. It makes sense to me that he is maintained in prison until he's not a threat."
Citizenship and legal hurdles
Ahmed held dual British-Pakistani citizenship at the time of his offences but was stripped of his British citizenship after his conviction. Despite Home Secretary Mahmood's plans to change the Immigration and Asylum Bill, she has warned that deportation is contingent on Pakistan agreeing to accept him. Pakistan's government has repeatedly resisted, claiming it has "no connection whatsoever" with the matter.
Backlash on social media
Polanski's comments drew sharp criticism online. One user wrote: "This is why Zack will never be taken seriously." Another said: "Why is Zack Polanski defending the worst living paedophile currently in the UK?" Mahmood stated she will "continue to work all avenues to pursue a deportation."
