Outrage in Britain - Rapist with 54 offences demands compensation
Illustrative photo: criminal in handcuffs (Getty Images)
A serial rapist in Britain with 54 crimes who has avoided deportation for more than 14 years is now seeking compensation for "suffering" allegedly caused by his electronic tag, according to the Daily Mail.
The 48-year-old Mustafa Taskiran, a Turkish national who has avoided deportation from the United Kingdom for more than a decade, may receive compensation after his lawyers claimed that the electronic tag he was required to wear caused him "severe depression" and physical discomfort.
The high court in London has already issued a preliminary decision in Taskiran’s favour. This happened just days before he pleaded guilty to stalking a woman and threatening to kill her with a knife. A final sentence in this case is expected later this month.
According to Taskiran, the electronic tag was "heavy and painful", which allegedly led to "significant physical and psychological suffering". His lawyers are seeking compensation and "adequate relief" for the migrant.
Crimes of Mustafa Taskiran
Taskiran has been at the centre of multiple criminal cases since receiving permanent residency in 1994. Over the next 10 years, he committed 54 crimes. In 2009, he avoided deportation, and in 2014, he was sentenced to six years in prison for rape.
After his release in 2018, UK authorities again attempted to deport him, but Türkiye revoked his citizenship and refused to issue travel documents, making his removal impossible. Throughout this time, Taskiran remained under immigration monitoring and was required to wear an electronic tag around the clock.
Public reaction
Following the publication of the case, several British politicians expressed outrage. Shadow justice minister Robert Jenrick said that society should not have to worry about the "so-called depression" of a person who has repeatedly broken the law.
The home office emphasized that "when foreign nationals commit serious crimes, the authorities do everything possible to deport them" despite difficulties due to Türkiye’s refusal to accept Taskiran.
The case has already sparked a wave of criticism of the UK immigration system and its ability to remove dangerous foreign offenders.
As reported earlier, Britain intends to significantly limit the length of stay for refugees. On Monday, 17 November, UK home secretary Shabana Mahmood is expected to announce radical changes to the asylum system.
