Twenty-four individuals have denied charges of obstructing police officers during raids on a religious community in Crewe, as part of an investigation into allegations of sexual abuse, forced marriage, and modern slavery.
Massive Police Operation
More than 500 officers executed search warrants at three properties linked to the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light on April 29. The community, based at Webb House, a former orphanage, is home to around 150 people.
Court Proceedings
On Wednesday, the defendants appeared at South Cheshire Magistrates’ Court, charged with public order offenses. Prosecutor Annika Livermore described how residents allegedly obstructed officers from entering rooms at Webb House, with some linking arms to block their path.
Specific allegations include Dareem Charles kicking at police shields and throwing items, Marc Ferreira grabbing an officer during an arrest, and Ramazan Demirovic pushing past officers and striking one in the face. Laure Delogne was accused of hiding in a bush when police arrived.
Defendants and Bail
The defendants, aged 18 to 59, are of various nationalities, including British, French, Belgian, Iranian, Egyptian, and American. Most are from Crewe, except Hatem Sider, who gave a London address. Many wore black clothing and beanie hats.
District Judge Ian Barnes granted unconditional bail, with trials set for April next year. Case management hearings are scheduled for September 29.
List of Pleas
- Jahmeel Musa, 33: not guilty to obstructing a constable
- Onur Aydin, 36: not guilty to obstructing a constable
- Myrah Hashem, 27: not guilty to failing to comply with a section 35 direction
- Dareem Charles, 36: not guilty to obstructing a constable
- Hussein Khadum, 18: not guilty to obstructing a constable
- Marc Ferreira, 38: not guilty to obstructing a constable
- Gustavio Ruiz-Quinteros, 34: not guilty to obstructing a constable
- Laure Delogne, 31: not guilty to obstructing a constable
- Sarah Batul, 33: not guilty to obstructing a constable
- Ramazan Demirovic, 59: not guilty to assaulting a constable
- Rad El-Kanami, 47: not guilty to obstructing a constable
- Soufiane Ben Abdeslam, 32: not guilty to assaulting a police officer and obstructing a constable
- Diniy Sisyam, 20: not guilty to obstructing a constable
- Maryham Marfoug, 32: not guilty to obstructing a constable
- Hatem Sider, 42: not guilty to obstructing a constable
- Ahmed Elhaouss, 21: not guilty to assaulting a police officer
- Mohammed Hiary, 32: not guilty to obstructing a constable
- Tahani Hashem, 27: not guilty to obstructing a constable
- Aun Haideer, 26: not guilty to obstructing a constable
- Taymour Elalfy, 37: not guilty to obstructing a constable
- Mammadagha Abdullayer, 35: not guilty to obstructing a constable
- Raimah Batul, 18: not guilty to assaulting a police officer
- Alireza Khatib Haghighi, 40: not guilty to obstructing a constable
- Mohamed Ayob, 38: not guilty to assaulting a police officer
The case against Hamidreza Saghari, 39, charged with obstructing a constable, was discontinued. Twelve others arrested in the investigation have been released on conditional bail.
Background of the Group
The Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light is a sect mixing Shia Islam with conspiracy theories about the Illuminati and aliens controlling US presidents. Mainstream Muslim groups have distanced themselves from it. Webb House was returned to residents after police searches concluded in early May.
