Two men, Ahmad Mulakhil and Mohammad Kabir, both 23, have pleaded not guilty to charges related to the alleged rape of a 12-year-old girl in Nuneaton, a case that has ignited anti-immigration protests and accusations of a cover-up regarding their asylum status. The men appeared at Warwick Crown Court, where they denied a total of nine charges, including rape, sexual assault, and kidnap.

Court Proceedings and Charges

During the court proceedings, Mulakhil, who required a Farsi interpreter, denied charges of abducting a child, three counts of rape of a child under 13, and two counts of sexual assault. Kabir, assisted by a Pashto interpreter, pleaded not guilty to attempting to take a child, aiding and abetting rape, and intentional strangulation. Both men, of no fixed address, have been remanded in custody, with their trial set for 26 January 2026.

Public and Political Reactions

The case has drawn significant public attention, particularly from anti-immigration groups. Warwickshire County Council leader George Finch and Reform Party leader Nigel Farage have accused the police and the Home Office of concealing the suspects' immigration status. This has led to protests in Nuneaton, with demonstrators demanding transparency.

Police and Legal Responses

In response to the controversy, Warwickshire Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Seccombe has urged Home Secretary Yvette Cooper to clarify what information should be disclosed in such cases. Cooper has indicated that police forces should provide more details about suspects, and the College of Policing has updated its guidance to encourage the release of race and nationality information in high-profile cases.

Community Impact

The case has become a focal point for far-right groups, who have organized rallies in Nuneaton, further polarizing the community. These events have featured speakers urging unity among far-right factions and have included displays of Nazi imagery, exacerbating tensions in the town.