David Lammy is scheduled to undergo questioning in Parliament following an incident where an asylum seeker, a convicted sex offender, was erroneously released from prison instead of being transferred to an immigration detention center.
Hadush Kebatu, originally from Ethiopia, received a 12-month sentence in September for sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl and was mistakenly released from HMP Chelmsford on Friday morning.
Residing at the Bell Hotel in Epping, Essex, at the time of the assault, Kebatu traveled from Chelmsford to London and was apprehended on Sunday morning in Finsbury Park.
The victim’s father expressed his desire for the immediate deportation of the sex offender, a sentiment supported by the Justice Secretary, who indicated that deportation procedures would be initiated in the upcoming week.
Mr. Lammy emphasized the need for Kebatu to be questioned by the police before deportation, ensuring that the deportation process proceeds as planned, expected to occur within the week.
Furthermore, he announced intentions for an independent inquiry into the incident, to be disclosed in Parliament on Monday, highlighting that Kebatu should have been in line for deportation and not released into the community.
The error has faced criticism from opposition politicians, with demands for a swift national inquiry into the oversight that led to Kebatu’s release.
Shadow home secretary Chris Philp expressed astonishment at the situation, emphasizing the need for accountability within the system.
Zia Yusuf, from Reform UK, condemned the incident as shocking, questioning the confidence victims of sexual assault could have in the current government and state mechanisms.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed an investigation to determine the cause of the error and prevent its recurrence.
An internal inquiry has resulted in the suspension of a prison officer, as it was revealed that Kebatu, who entered the UK on a small boat, left prison without adequate funds for subsistence costs.
Kebatu’s criminal actions led to protests in Epping, sparking demonstrations nationwide concerning the treatment of asylum seekers.