In Crewe, residents of a religious community have refuted accusations of impeding law enforcement officers during recent raids conducted as part of an inquiry into claims of sexual abuse, forced marriages, and modern slavery. Over 500 officers were involved in executing search warrants at three locations associated with the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light in the town of Cheshire on April 29.
At South Cheshire Magistrates’ Court, 24 individuals faced charges related to public order offenses allegedly committed during the raids. According to Annika Livermore, the prosecutor, residents obstructed officers’ entry into rooms at Webb House – the headquarters of the group – by forming human barriers. Dareem Charles was accused of kicking at police shields and hurling objects, while Marc Ferreira was alleged to have physically interfered with an officer during an arrest.
The eldest defendant, Ramazan Demirovic, aged 59, was observed pushing past officers and resisting their attempts to enter, ultimately resorting to physical aggression by pushing an officer in the face. Laure Delogne, who required a French interpreter, was reported to have hidden in foliage upon the police’s arrival at the site during the incident.
The defendants, ranging from 18 to 59 years old, were individually brought before the court, with proceedings anticipated to continue throughout the day. All defendants except Hatem Sider, who claimed a London address, resided in Crewe. The group predominantly wore black attire, with some opting for black beanie hats.
Cheshire Police disclosed that the defendants hailed from various nationalities, including British, French, Belgian, Iranian, Egyptian, and American origins. Outside the courthouse, a small number of demonstrators gathered, recording the defendants’ entrances on their mobile devices.
District Judge Ian Barnes granted the defendants unconditional bail until their upcoming trials, scheduled for April next year at South Cheshire Magistrates’ Court. Case management sessions were set for September 29 to address procedural matters.
During the proceedings, it was noted that Hamidreza Saghari’s charge of obstructing a constable had been dropped by the prosecution. Additionally, twelve individuals detained in connection with the investigation into alleged sexual abuse were released on conditional bail.
The Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light, characterized by a fusion of Shia Islamic principles with conspiracy theories involving the Illuminati and extraterrestrial influence over US presidents, has been shunned by mainstream Muslim organizations. The community, situated at Webb House, a former orphanage housing approximately 150 residents, regained access to the premises following the conclusion of police searches in early May.
