9 people arrested in massive raids on religious sect in U.K.
Summary
British police conducted raids on facilities linked to the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light (AROPL) group, arresting nine people on charges including modern slavery, forced marriage, and sexual assault. The arrests came after a woman previously in the group reported serious offenses that allegedly happened in 2023.Key Facts
- Around 500 police officers took part in the raids in northwest England, including at AROPL’s headquarters in Crewe.
- Nine people were arrested: six men and three women from several countries including the U.S., Mexico, Italy, Spain, Sweden, and Egypt.
- The investigation was based on allegations made by a woman formerly in the group about crimes in 2023.
- Police clarified that the investigation targets the alleged crimes, not the religion itself.
- AROPL is a religious group with beliefs that differ from mainstream Islam and is linked to messianic prophecies and conspiracy theories.
- The group’s leader Abdullah Hashem claims to be a messianic figure and has made unusual religious claims.
- Authorities in some countries like Malaysia, Egypt, and Algeria have taken legal actions against AROPL members.
- The group moved its headquarters to the UK from Sweden in 2021 after members’ residency permits were revoked.
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