Two Afghan asylum seekers have been charged over the alleged rape of a 12-year-old girl in Nuneaton, Warwickshire, sparking shock across the town.
Ahmad Mulakhil, 23, faces two counts of rape, while Mohammad Kabir, 23, is charged with aiding and abetting rape, strangulation, and kidnap. Both men remain in custody and will appear before Warwick Crown Court on August 26.
Police say the attack happened on Cheverel Street between 8:30–9:45pm on July 22. CCTV shows the girl, who is white, walking with a man shortly before the incident. The victim is now receiving specialist care.
The case has stirred controversy after claims police asked local officials not to reveal the suspects’ asylum seeker status, fearing unrest similar to protests in Essex last month. Some residents accused police of a “cover-up,” but Warwickshire Police said its approach followed national guidance to protect court proceedings.
Both suspects lived in Serco-managed asylum housing near the crime scene. Local councillors say they were given limited information, while Reform UK leader Nigel Farage accused police and officials of “acting against the British people.”
Warwickshire Police said their focus remains on supporting the victim and bringing offenders to justice, adding that ethnicity and immigration status are not routinely disclosed once charges are brought.
The case follows other serious sexual offences involving asylum seekers, which some councils have also been accused of trying to keep quiet to avoid inflaming community tensions.
