Summary
A UK court sentenced seven men to prison for sexually abusing two teenage girls in Rochdale between 2001 and 2006. The group's leader, Mohammed Zahid, received the longest prison term. The case is part of ongoing legal actions addressing past child sexual exploitation in the area.
Key Facts
- A UK court sentenced seven men for abusing two teenage girls in Rochdale from 2001 to 2006.
- The sentences ranged from 12 to 35 years, with leader Mohammed Zahid receiving the longest sentence.
- The group formed part of "grooming gangs" as identified by UK media.
- The victims were 13 years old and did not know each other during the period of abuse.
- The girls were initially offered gifts and money and later given alcohol and drugs before assaults.
- The case highlights failures by local authorities and police to protect the victims, as admitted by Greater Manchester Police.
- An earlier report estimated at least 1,400 victims might have been exploited by men of primarily Pakistani heritage.
- Far-right figures have used the issue to target British Asians and Muslims, sparking debate in the UK.
