Nigel Farage has called for police to publicly share the immigration status of criminal suspects. This follows high profile cases, including the alleged rape of a 12 year old in Warwickshire. The Reform UK leader argues transparency prevents “conspiracy theories.” However, critics warn it risks prejudicing trials and stoking division.
Two Afghan nationals, Ahmad Mulakhil, 23, and Mohammad Kabir, 23, were charged in connection with the alleged attack in Nuneaton last month. While their nationalities were reported by media, Warwickshire Police declined to confirm details. They cited national guidelines that prohibit releasing suspects’ ethnicity or immigration status post-charge.
Farage condemned this as a “cover-up,” comparing it to misinformation after the 2023 Southport stabbings. During that incident, false claims about the attacker’s background fueled unrest. “The public has a right to know who’s accused of serious crimes,” he insisted.
At a Westminster press conference, Farage demanded police routinely publish suspects’ names, addresses, and immigration histories once charged. Warwickshire Council Leader George Finch (Reform UK) backed the call. He claimed he “begged” officials to confirm Kabir was an asylum seeker in shared housing.
Finch pledged to crack down on houses of multiple occupancy (HMOs) housing migrants. He called his party “the last line of defence” against establishment secrecy.
Critics warn such disclosures could prejudice trials or incite vigilante action. The College of Policing’s guidelines emphasize operational independence and legal safeguards. Warwickshire’s Police Commissioner stated decisions must follow “national guidance.” Meanwhile, Labour MP Jodie Gosling urged focus on supporting victims rather than speculation. The Prime Minister’s spokesman stressed transparency “where possible” but noted the case remains sub judice.
The row highlights tensions between public accountability and due process. Farage frames non-disclosure as elitist obstruction. Opponents counter that selective reporting, like Southport’s false “asylum seeker” narrative, can inflame tensions. With Reform UK positioning itself as a challenger to “cover-up culture,” the debate may escalate as election campaigns intensify.
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