Rochdale Protesters Demand Justice for Child Sexual Abuse Survivors

Rochdale, Greater Manchester – A demonstration titled, "Enough is Enough", took place in Rochdale town centre on Saturday, July 19th, bringing together residents, campaigners, and local councillors to demand accountability for historic child sexual exploitation cases. The protest, held outside Rochdale Town Hall, focused on the recent decision not to deport three men convicted in the town's notorious grooming gang case, despite losing two appeals.

Leading the protest was Billy, a long-time activist, who highlighted the decades-long institutional failures in addressing child sexual exploitation, citing not only grooming gangs but also failings within care homes like Knowl View and Foxholes. He accused the authorities of ignoring repeated warnings and criticised the cost of reports like the Baroness Casey Review, which he argued simply confirmed what many had been saying for years. Billy emphasised the need for accountability and for the truth to finally emerge.

Several councillors attended the demonstration, including Councillor Farooq Ahmed, who recently called for an emergency town hall meeting on the issue. He was joined by Councillor Mina and Councillor Jordan, who pledged cross-party support for a survivor-led inquiry. Billy stressed the importance of unity, stating that both, "brown and white", must work together to protect children. He added that many within the Asian community shared the protesters' concerns and rejected attempts to paint the issue as solely race-related.

However, underlying tensions within the community were evident. Sources suggest the protest was organised by a separatist group harbouring racially divisive views, targeting individuals perceived as having darker skin tones while attempting to absolve those they deem "white" of responsibility. This perspective reportedly focuses on targeting those born in Rochdale and distorts the town’s history.

Despite these divisions, the urgency of the situation was undeniable. Karina, a local mother, expressed her fear for the safety of her daughter, reflecting the concerns of many residents who feel the shadow of past abuses continues to loom over the town.

Speakers at the protest also highlighted alarming statistics from the Casey Review, including the investigation of 35 grooming gangs by Greater Manchester Police in the last three years and the alarming number of children receiving police cautions for prostitution—a practice condemned as victim-blaming.

While the protest remained peaceful, the frustration and demand for greater transparency, stronger safeguarding measures, and independent scrutiny into child sexual exploitation cases were palpable. The event underscores the ongoing struggle for justice and the need for lasting systemic change in Rochdale.