Two Afghan Asylum Seekers Deny Kidnap, Rape of 12-Year-Old in Warwickshire

Two Afghan men, Ahmad Mulakhil and Mohammad Kabir, both aged 23 and reportedly asylum seekers, have denied multiple charges relating to the alleged abduction, rape, and sexual assault of a 12-year-old girl in Nuneaton, Warwickshire. The defendants appeared at Warwick Crown Court, assisted by Farsi and Pashto interpreters, and were remanded in custody with a trial set for January 26, 2026, expected to last five days. The case has sparked controversy and protests, with Reform UK leader Nigel Farage and Warwickshire County Council leader George Finch alleging a police cover-up, accusing authorities of withholding the suspects' immigration status to avoid community tensions. Warwickshire Police stated that national guidelines prevent sharing ethnicity or immigration details once charges are made, a position supported by the Home Secretary Yvette Cooper who has called for greater transparency and asked the Law Commission to review information disclosures during pending trials. The alleged assault reportedly occurred on July 22, with CCTV footage showing the victim with one of the men shortly before the incident. Protests outside the court have included demands for tougher immigration controls amid public concern over the case.