UK Manhunt Continues for Asylum Seeker Mistakenly Released After Assault Conviction

Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, an Ethiopian asylum seeker who was sentenced to 12 months in prison for sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl and a woman in Epping, Essex, was mistakenly released from HMP Chelmsford while awaiting deportation. This error sparked a widespread police manhunt involving multiple forces to locate Kebatu, who was last seen boarding a train to London. The Justice Secretary David Lammy expressed being "dismayed" and "appalled" by the release, while political leaders from across the spectrum condemned the mistake, calling it "totally unacceptable" and a demonstration of "incompetence." The incident intensified public outrage and protests, especially in Epping where the assaults initially occurred, highlighting concerns over public safety and the handling of asylum seekers. Authorities have suspended a prison officer and launched an investigation to understand how such a significant error occurred. The case has further fueled debates on immigration policies and government accountability amid heightened community tensions.