Bitter Winter Raises Important Questions for the UK Following the Raid on AROPL

Bitter Winter, an international magazine focused on religious liberty and human rights, has written extensively about the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light (AROPL) and the persecution its members have faced in various countries around the world. On the 20th of October 2026, Italian journalist and Director-in-Charge of Bitter Winter, Marco Respinti, published the second of a two-part series following his visit to the AROPL headquarters at Webb House in Crewe, England. 

The article titled “AROPL in the UK, Impressions from the Field: 2. Questions for the UK” offers a firsthand account of the aftermath of the police raid on Webb House on the 29th of April 2026, raising some very important questions regarding the treatment of a religious minority in a country which has historically prided itself on its commitment to democracy, human rights and religious liberty. 

Unlike much of the coverage offered by the mainstream press, which generally seeks to sensationalise details of the story while omitting others, Respinti gives attention to the experiences of the members of the religion themselves. Having visited Webb House, he offers readers an insight into what life has been like for the community following the raid involving 500 police officers, particularly for those who remain separated from their loved ones. 

One of the more touching parts of Respinti's article is his account of the children's playgrounds at Webb House. The playgrounds, once filled with the laughter of children, now stand quiet. For those who knew Webb House before the raid, the silence is particularly painful. It is worth remembering that behind all the headlines and allegations are families and children who, six months on, are still living with the consequences of that day. 

Respinti, who expresses his great admiration for England and its history, questions whether the principle of innocent until proven guilty is being upheld in the case of AROPL. He also poses a question which the British authorities ought to take seriously: 

“Does the UK want to join the war against this fundamental pillar of human nature?”

Many members of AROPL came to the United Kingdom having already experienced persecution for their religious beliefs. They came to a country where they believed they could finally practise their faith without fear. It is particularly sad that these very same people now find themselves appealing for the rights and freedoms which brought them here in the first place. 

The Divine Just State magazine urges anyone interested in the coverage of this story to take the time to investigate the narrative offered by Bitter Winter, given the nature of their work in the field of religious liberty and human rights. The Divine Just State magazine also extends its gratitude to Marco Respinti for taking the time to visit the community at Webb House and for the work he has done to raise awareness of the plight of AROPL over the past few years, and especially at this difficult time.