Imran Ahmad Khan: Crispin Blunt retracts statement calling conviction 'miscarriage of justice'

A Conservative MP who defended Wakefield’s Imran Ahmad Khan following his conviction for sexually assaulting a teenager has retracted his comments.
By Caitlin Doherty
Published 12th Apr 2022, 09:45 BST
Updated 12th Apr 2022, 10:28 BST

Crispin Blunt previously described yesterday’s verdict as a “dreadful miscarriage of justice” and “nothing short of an international scandal”.

In a statement posted on Twitter this morning, Reigate MP Mr Blunt said: “On reflection I have decided to retract my statement defending Imran Ahmad Khan.

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“I am sorry that my defence of him has been a cause of significant upset and concern, not least to victims of sexual offences.

Parliamentary portrait of Crispin BluntParliamentary portrait of Crispin Blunt
Parliamentary portrait of Crispin Blunt

“It was not my intention to do this.

“To be clear, I do not condone any form of abuse and I strongly believe in the independence and integrity of the justice system.”

He also offered his resignation as the chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Global LGBT+ Rights.

Khan was found guilty on Monday of sexually assaulting a teenage boy in 2008.

His legal team has said he intends to appeal the decision.

Related topics:WakefieldTwitter

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