Members of Religious Group Face Court Over Public Order Charges
Twenty-four individuals affiliated with a religious organisation appeared in court charged with public order offences following a police raid on the group's headquarters.
More than 500 officers participated in raids at three locations connected to the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light in Crewe, Cheshire, on 29 April.
The searches were conducted as part of an investigation into allegations of sexual abuse, forced marriage, and modern slavery. These events have led to daily protests outside the site since the raids.
Defendants Plead Not Guilty at South Cheshire Magistrates' Court
During a hearing at South Cheshire Magistrates' Court on Wednesday, all defendants entered pleas of not guilty.
The charges include obstructing police officers, failing to comply with police directions, and assaulting an officer. Most defendants face a single charge related to their alleged conduct during the police operation.
One charge against a male defendant was discontinued on the same day.
Details of Alleged Obstruction and Assaults During Police Operation
Prosecutor Annika Livermore informed the court that residents obstructed officers from accessing rooms at Webb House, the group's headquarters, with some linking arms to prevent entry.
She stated that defendant Dareem Charles, aged 36, allegedly kicked at police shields and threw objects, while Marc Ferreira, 38, is accused of grabbing an officer during an arrest.
The oldest defendant, 59-year-old Ramazan Demirovic, was observed pushing past officers and positioning himself against a doorframe. Livermore added:
"The defendant was then seen to lash out with his arms and push an officer to the face,"
Another defendant, Laure Delogne, 31, who communicated through a French interpreter, was accused of hiding in a bush when police entered the premises.
Defendants' Backgrounds and Court Appearance
The defendants, ranging in age from 18 to 59, mostly reside in Crewe, with one stating an address in London. They were brought into court individually, with many dressed in black clothing and some wearing black beanie hats.
Cheshire Police indicated that the defendants hold various nationalities, including British, French, Belgian, Iranian, Egyptian, and American.
Outside the court, a small group of protesters gathered, recording defendants' arrivals on their phones.
Bail and Future Hearings
District Judge Ian Barnes granted unconditional bail to all defendants until their trials, which are scheduled for April next year.
Case management hearings have been arranged for 29 September.
Related Arrests and Site Status
Separately, eleven individuals arrested in connection with the investigation into alleged sexual abuse were released on conditional bail.
Webb House, a former orphanage, was returned to residents after police completed their searches in early May.
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