The decision to grant anonymity to the lawyers of an Asian grooming gang ringleader has been criticised by the Society this week.
Speaking to The Mail on Sunday, the Society’s Executive Director Dawn Alford said that the decision to ban the media from naming those who represented Qari Abdul Rauf, 56, who still lives in Rochdale, despite being told upon release from jail a decade ago that he would be deported, raised ‘grave misgivings in terms of press freedom and open justice’.
Alford said: “‘This case raises serious concerns and grave misgivings in terms of press freedom and open justice.
“Granting anonymity to lawyers representing high-profile, controversial clients like Qari Abdul Rauf is a serious blow to the transparency of legal proceedings.
“If this decision sets a precedent, it could lead to more and more legal representatives seeking similar protections, ultimately preventing the public from knowing who is behind defending such individuals.
