Home Secretary Calls for Increased Transparency on Suspects' Immigration Status ###

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has called for a revision in the guidance provided to police forces regarding the disclosure of suspects' immigration status and ethnicity, especially in cases involving serious crimes. This call comes amid growing public pressure following the arrest of two men in connection with the alleged rape of a 12-year-old girl in Warwickshire.

Speaking to the BBC, Cooper emphasized the need for greater transparency in such cases, stating, "We do want to see more transparency in cases, we think local people do need to have more information." This sentiment echoes earlier comments made by Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, who had criticized the police's decision not to release details about the suspects' immigration status, labeling it a "cover-up."

The two men under suspicion are reportedly Afghan, though their exact immigration status remains unconfirmed by police. One of the suspects, Ahmad Mulakhil, has been charged with two counts of rape, while Mohammad Kabir is accused of kidnap, strangulation, and aiding and abetting the rape of a girl under 13. Both suspects, aged 23, have been remanded in custody following their appearances in court.

Warwickshire Police has previously adhered to national guidance that restricts the release of ethnicity and immigration status during investigations. However, Cooper acknowledged the complexity of balancing transparency with operational considerations, stating, "It is an operational decision about how much information can be revealed in the middle of a live investigation but we do want to see greater transparency."

In a move to address these concerns, the government has requested that the Law Commission, an independent body responsible for reviewing laws in England and Wales, expedite its review of the rules governing the release of information during legal cases. Cooper also noted that the government is collaborating with the College of Policing to strengthen and revise their guidance on disclosure.

The call for increased transparency is not isolated to this case. Emily Spurrell, chair of the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners, highlighted the challenges faced by police in balancing public demand for information with the need to ensure a fair trial for suspects. She noted, "Most officers I speak to want to get that information out there, they know the public want to know what's going on, who's being held to account," but emphasized the importance of maintaining fairness in legal proceedings.

The Law Commission is currently reviewing what information can be lawfully published after a suspect's arrest, with a particular focus on countering misinformation. This review has been expedited following a government request, especially in cases where failing to share information could lead to public order consequences.

An independent watchdog report from March highlighted the dangers of withholding information, citing the Southport killer case as an example where a lack of transparency led to "dangerous fictions" and subsequent rioting. Jonathan Hall KC, the UK's independent reviewer of terrorism legislation, echoed these concerns, stating that more accurate information about the arrest of Axel Rudakubana last year would have been preferable to the "ineffectual near silence" from authorities, which fueled disinformation and unrest.

Warwickshire Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Seccombe reiterated the importance of adhering to national guidance and legal requirements in releasing information about suspects. He stated, "It is essential to state that policing decisions - such as whether to release details about a suspect - must follow national guidance and legal requirements," and added that he would not comment on the personal circumstances of those involved while court proceedings are ongoing.

As the debate over transparency in high-profile cases continues, the government and law enforcement agencies are under scrutiny to strike a balance between public accountability and the rights of suspects. The ongoing review by the Law Commission and the collaboration with the College of Policing suggest a willingness to adapt existing guidelines to better meet these challenges.

**Related Topics:** Immigration, Yvette Cooper, Police Transparency, Warwickshire Rape Case, Law Enforcement

**Source URL:** [https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c8rygx2xpy7o](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c8rygx2xpy7o)