British Police Search for Asylum-Seeker Released in Error After Sexual Assault Conviction
British Police Hunt for Mistakenly Released Asylum-Seeker Sentenced for Sexual Assault
London, UK — British police are intensifying their search for Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, a 38-year-old Ethiopian national who was mistakenly released from prison after being sentenced for sexual assault. Authorities are combing through hours of closed-circuit television footage in an effort to track his movements following his release.
Kebatu, who was sentenced to 12 months in prison for multiple offenses—including the sexual assault of a 14-year-old girl—was last seen in the London area. His case has sparked significant public outcry and protests against immigration policies, highlighting the ongoing tensions surrounding unauthorized migration in the UK.
The Essex Police reported that Kebatu was released in error from a prison in Chelmsford, Essex, on Friday afternoon. Instead of being transferred to an immigration detention center, he was mistakenly categorized as a prisoner eligible for release. Following his release, he was seen boarding a train, prompting a swift response from law enforcement.
“Officers worked throughout the night to track his movements, including scouring hours of CCTV footage, and this work continues today,” a police statement confirmed. “It is not lost on us that this situation is concerning to people, and we are committed to locating and arresting him as quickly as possible.”
The incident has reignited debates over the UK’s immigration policies, particularly the use of hotels to house migrants awaiting asylum decisions. Kebatu’s arrest and subsequent release have led to protests in various cities, with demonstrators expressing their frustrations over the handling of migrants in the country. Some protests have turned chaotic, drawing far-right activists and leading to clashes.
In response to the situation, the Prison Service has launched an investigation, and a prison officer has been suspended pending the outcome. The police are working closely with multiple forces to ensure Kebatu is apprehended swiftly.
As the search continues, the public remains on high alert, concerned about the implications of this oversight and the broader issues surrounding immigration in the UK.
