CASE UPDATE: International Human Rights Organisation Raises Serious Concerns Over AROPL Investigation

28 October 2026 — Human Rights Without Frontiers (HRWF) has published a report questioning the evidence, fairness and human rights implications of the ongoing police investigation into the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light (AROPL) in Crewe, United Kingdom.

The article, titled “UK: The file against AROPL in Crewe remains empty: more intelligence said to be needed…”, was written by Hans Noot, Associate Director of HRWF, who personally attended the hearing at Chester Magistrates’ Court on 22 October alongside three other international observers.

Nearly six months after an unprecedented raid involving more than 500 police officers, no criminal charges have been brought in connection with the allegations that prompted the raid.

According to Noot's eyewitness account, defence lawyers repeatedly questioned the lead police investigator about whether the allegations made by the sole complainant had been independently corroborated. The investigator reportedly responded by referring to the ongoing investigation and additional intelligence that still needed to be examined or could not be disclosed.

Noot expressed serious concerns about the strength of the evidence, writing:

“To me, as an observer, it sounded less like a case being built than a case still looking for its foundation.”

The report also highlights that the judge acknowledged that much of the police material was based on hearsay. Nevertheless, the court extended the temporary Slavery and Trafficking Risk Orders against seven AROPL members for another six months, until 30 April 2027.

HRWF raises concerns about the continued restrictions on individuals who have not been charged or convicted, particularly their separation from their homes, families, children and place of worship.

The report further draws attention to significant developments in the case, including the police decision to take no further action against one suspect who was not even in the UK when the alleged offence occurred, and the discontinuation of cases against 14 residents previously charged with obstructing police during the raid.

Noot also questions the implications for open justice, highlighting how reporting restrictions imposed at the hearing limited public scrutiny of the evidence challenged in court.

The article raises fundamental questions about the presumption of innocence, freedom of religion, the right to family life and the proportionality of restrictions imposed before criminal charges have been brought.

HRWF warns against allowing temporary civil orders, which have a lower legal threshold than criminal convictions, to become prolonged restrictions while investigators continue searching for evidence.

The report concludes with a powerful question:

“If the file is still this thin after six months, what is the court’s answer if it is still thin in April 2027?”

HRWF has confirmed that it will continue monitoring the case.

Read the full article: Human Rights Without Frontiers — HRWF