Hundreds Protest Child Rape Charges, Alleged Cover-Up, Across England

Hundreds of protesters marched through Nuneaton following charges against two Afghan asylum seekers, Ahmad Mulakhil and Mohammad Kabir, related to the alleged rape and kidnapping of a 12-year-old girl. The demonstration, which included chants such as "Stop the boats" and slogans like "This is England," significantly outnumbered counter-protesters from Stand Up to Racism, who responded with chants of "Love not hate." Reform UK leader Nigel Farage and Warwickshire County Council leader George Finch accused police of covering up the immigration status of the accused men, a claim denied by Warwickshire Police chief constable Alex Franklin-Smith, who stated the force followed national guidance and did not conceal criminality. Police maintained a large presence to ensure the protests remained peaceful, although tensions were high with some hostile exchanges between opposing groups. The protests were part of a wider wave of demonstrations in England addressing concerns over immigration and asylum policies.