Residents of a religious community in Crewe have refuted claims of impeding officers during recent raids conducted as part of an inquiry into allegations of sexual abuse, forced marriage, and modern slavery. Over 500 officers participated in executing search warrants at three locations affiliated with the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light in Crewe on April 29.
In a hearing at South Cheshire Magistrates’ Court, 24 individuals faced charges related to public order offenses allegedly committed during the raids. Annika Livermore, the prosecutor, stated that residents obstructed officers from accessing rooms at Webb House, the community’s main establishment, by forming human chains. Dareem Charles was accused of kicking police shields and throwing objects, while Marc Ferreira was alleged to have assaulted an officer during an arrest.
Ramazan Demirovic, the eldest defendant at 59, was observed forcefully resisting officers and physically confronting them. Another defendant, Laure Delogne, reportedly attempted to evade police by hiding in a bush on the premises.
The defendants, aged between 18 and 59, with the exception of Hatem Sider from London, were individually brought before the court. The hearings are scheduled to continue throughout the day. Cheshire Police noted that the defendants hailed from various nationalities including British, French, Belgian, Iranian, Egyptian, and American.
Following the court proceedings, a small group of protesters gathered outside, recording the defendants’ arrival on their mobile devices. District Judge Ian Barnes granted the defendants unconditional bail until their trials, set for April next year at South Cheshire Magistrates’ Court, with case management hearings slated for September 29.
During the court session, it was disclosed that Hamidreza Saghari’s charge of obstructing a constable was dropped by the prosecution. Additionally, twelve individuals arrested in connection with the sexual abuse investigation were released on conditional bail.
The Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light, known for blending Shia Islam principles with conspiracy beliefs about the Illuminati and extraterrestrial control over US presidents, operates from Webb House, a former orphanage housing approximately 150 residents. Police concluded their searches in early May, returning the site to its inhabitants.
For the latest news updates, consider selecting Daily Mirror as your ‘Preferred Source’ on Google News.
