LIVE: David Lammy Addresses Incident Involving Wrongly Released Asylum Seeker

LIVE: David Lammy Addresses Mistaken Release of Asylum Seeker Hadush Kebatu

In a critical statement today at the House of Commons, Justice Secretary David Lammy addressed the troubling case of Hadush Kebatu, an Ethiopian national and sex offender whose recent release from prison sparked public outrage and protests. Kebatu, who was on the radar of law enforcement for serious offenses, had been mistakenly released, prompting a swift investigation and a temporary manhunt to locate him.

Kebatu was apprehended in Finsbury Park, north London, on Sunday morning after a vigilant member of the public reported his sighting. Eyewitness accounts revealed a stark shift in his appearance; he was no longer in the prison-issue grey tracksuit but had opted for more casual attire, including jeans and a black puffer jacket. Photographs captured the moment he was led away in handcuffs by multiple police officers, with onlookers describing him as looking “dejected.”

During his address, Lammy reassured the public that Kebatu will be deported promptly, stating, “He will be deported as he was expected to be deported. I expect that to happen this week.” He emphasized the importance of addressing the concerns and anxieties faced by Kebatu’s victims and their families, promising a comprehensive independent inquiry into the circumstances surrounding this incident. “We are committed to understanding how this error occurred to ensure it does not happen again,” Lammy remarked.

Additionally, the Justice Secretary announced that a prison officer involved in the case had been suspended pending the outcome of the investigation. Sir Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister, echoed this sentiment, confirming that an inquiry is underway to determine the failures in the system that led to Kebatu’s release.

This incident has raised significant questions regarding the processes in place for monitoring asylum seekers and preventing violent offenders from slipping through the cracks of the justice system. As the inquiry unfolds, both government officials and the public await answers, hoping for systematic changes that will protect vulnerable communities from similar occurrences in the future.

The case of Hadush Kebatu stands as a stark reminder of the complexities surrounding immigration, criminal justice, and public safety in the UK, and has ignited a crucial conversation about accountability and reform.