An Ethiopian asylum seeker convicted of sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl was released from prison under unclear circumstances, triggering a nationwide search and intense public outrage. Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, 38, was sentenced to 12 months in September for the crimes committed while staying at a hotel housing asylum seekers in Epping, Essex. He was supposed to be deported after early release but was instead left free, according to reports.
Kebatu’s release has prompted a major manhunt, with authorities urging the public to report any sightings. The incident has intensified scrutiny of the UK’s immigration and justice systems, particularly following widespread protests over crimes linked to asylum seekers. Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy has ordered an investigation into how the release occurred, as officials review procedures for handling foreign criminals awaiting deportation.
The case has fueled political tensions, with Nigel Farage condemning the situation as a failure of governance. “The Epping hotel migrant sex attacker has been accidentally freed rather than deported. He is now walking the streets of Essex. Britain is broken,” Farage said. Reform Party has pledged to shut down migrant hotels and enforce mass deportations if elected.
Protests against asylum seeker accommodations have escalated, with clashes reported in Essex and London. Authorities have deployed thousands of officers to manage unrest, as public frustration over immigration policies continues to grow.
