Nuneaton protests: Hundreds march after rape charges

People protested in Nuneaton, Warwickshire, on Saturday (Joe Giddens/PA) Joe Giddens

Hundreds of protesters marched through Nuneaton on Saturday afternoon following charges against two men over the alleged rape of a 12-year-old girl. The demonstration significantly outnumbered counter-protesters from Stand Up to Racism outside the Warwickshire town's Town Hall.

The protests erupted after Warwickshire Police charged Ahmad Mulakhil, 23, with rape, while Mohammad Kabir, 23, faces charges of kidnap, strangulation and aiding and abetting rape of a girl under 13. Both men are reported to be Afghan asylum seekers.

Political figures claim cover-up

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage and George Finch, the 19-year-old leader of Warwickshire County Council, alleged there had been a "cover-up" of details about the incident. Warwickshire Police chief constable Alex Franklin-Smith rejected these claims, stating the force "did not and will not" cover up alleged criminality and had followed national guidance.

A large police presence surrounded the Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council offices in Coton Road as protesters carried St George's Cross flags and Union flags. Music including Rule Britannia, the national anthem and Sweet Caroline played into the street.

Tensions between opposing groups

Protesters chanted "Who are you?" at the Stand Up to Racism group, while holding signs reading "This is England" and "What about our girls' human right to safety". The anti-racism protesters responded with chants of "Love not hate" and placards saying "Stop the far right".

When the counter-protesters left the area, some demonstrators followed them shouting "scum", "get them out" and "paedo" as they walked into the Ropewalk Shopping Centre. Shoppers looked on as the confrontation moved through the town centre.

March through town centre

After the Stand Up to Racism protesters departed, police officers escorted a march along the high street. Participants chanted "Stop the boats" and "We want our country back" as they processed through Nuneaton.

On Friday, Finch had urged protesters to act in a "peaceful manner" during the demonstrations. The youngest council leader in the country issued a statement on social media saying he was "deeply concerned" about the risk of protests being "hijacked by agitators who seek to cause disorder and division within our community".

Calls for transparency

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has called for more transparency from police about suspects, describing it as an "operational decision" for forces and the Crown Prosecution Service over what details to release. Cooper said "we do think more transparency is needed" in the information given by police.

Farage has suggested he believes the immigration status of suspects charged with crimes should be made available to the public. The protests also targeted asylum hotels and houses of multiple occupation in the area.

(PA) Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.