Norwich is bracing for fresh protests this evening as seven Afghan asylum seekers accused of running a child rape gang appear at Norwich Crown Court, with police preparing for demonstrations both outside the court and later at the city’s City Hall.
The defendants, six aged 20 and one aged 21, are expected to enter pleas at the hearing. Collectively they face 40 charges, including 33 counts of rape or conspiracy to rape, against two victims who were in their early to mid-teens at the time of the alleged offences. The offences are said to have taken place in Norwich between August 2023 and May 2025.
Norfolk Constabulary confirmed it was monitoring the situation ahead of expected demonstrations. A force spokeswoman told the Eastern Daily Press: “Norfolk Police are aware of a potential protest and continue to monitor the situation. We recognise the importance of the right to peaceful protest and will always work to facilitate safe and lawful demonstrations.” An increased police presence is expected around the crown court, with court staff reportedly told not to park outside the building on the day of the hearing amid expectations that protesters will gather there before a planned demonstration at City Hall beginning at 6pm.
It is not the first time the case has drawn public protest. Around 150 people demonstrated in Norwich last month after the men were initially charged, with demonstrators unveiling a banner reading: “Stop importing, start deporting.”
Police have confirmed that all seven defendants hold refugee immigration status. Five are said to have entered the UK via small boat crossings, while one reached the country concealed in the back of a lorry and another entered through a UK port.
