Credited from: REUTERS
British police successfully arrested Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, an Ethiopian asylum seeker and convicted sex offender, on Sunday morning in Finsbury Park after he was mistakenly released from HMP Chelmsford. This incident has culminated in a substantial public safety concern and has reignited discussions surrounding immigration policy in the UK, following an extensive manhunt that lasted nearly 48 hours, according to SCMP, BBC, and Reuters.
Kebatu, who faced a 12-month prison sentence for multiple sexual offenses, including the assault of a 14-year-old girl, was initially due for deportation when he was wrongly released due to an administrative error. His release has drawn widespread criticism, with key political figures, including Prime Minister Keir Starmer, calling for an urgent investigation into how such an egregious oversight occurred, as highlighted by India Times and SCMP.
Commander James Conway of the Metropolitan Police detailed how the investigation led to Kebatu’s arrest, emphasizing the role of public information in locating him quickly. The urgency of the matter was heightened by fears that Kebatu posed a "significant risk of reoffending," especially given the nature of his earlier offenses, according to BBC and Reuters.
This incident has sparked renewed protests against immigration policies in Britain, following earlier demonstrations stemming from Kebatu's initial arrest. Public sentiment has been vocal, with many expressing outrage at the error and its potential consequences, as reported by India Times and SCMP.