A Syrian asylum seeker who entered Britain after being convicted of sexually assaulting a schoolgirl in Germany has lost a legal battle to remain in the UK on human rights grounds.
From German Conviction to UK Asylum Claim
Azizadeen Alsheikh Suliman, 31, was found guilty of attacking a 15-year-old girl in Osnabrück in 2022 following a night out involving alcohol. The German court heard that Suliman gave the teenager cannabis, tried to kiss her, and placed his hand inside her underwear. He was convicted of sexual assault and supplying drugs to a minor, receiving a suspended prison sentence.
When faced with the prospect of imprisonment after breaching the terms of that sentence, Suliman absconded. He subsequently crossed the English Channel by boat and claimed asylum in the United Kingdom. Upon arrival, he provided a false spelling of his name and, along with his wife and newborn son, was placed in taxpayer-funded accommodation at the Britannia Ashley Hotel in Hale, an upmarket suburb of Greater Manchester.
Arrest and Extradition Proceedings
Suliman's presence in the UK came to light in October 2025, when he was detained by the National Crime Agency under a European Arrest Warrant. His placement in Hale sparked significant local anger, with authorities complaining they had been kept 'in the dark'.
At Westminster Magistrates' Court last week, Suliman fought his extradition back to Germany. He argued that his life would be in danger due to a tribal feud from Syria that had spilled into Germany, claiming rival clan members would target him. His pregnant wife also pleaded that she was wholly reliant on him.
However, District Judge Nina Tempia rejected these arguments. The ruling, delivered by District Judge Timothy King, stated: 'None of the reasons put forward on your behalf as to why you should not be extradited have been found to apply.' Suliman was given seven days to appeal the decision and will remain in custody.
Broader Concerns Over Border Security
This case has ignited fresh debate about the UK's border controls and the background checks conducted on migrants. Miriam Smith, representing the German authorities, highlighted the risk of the UK becoming a 'safe haven' for individuals who commit crimes abroad. She noted it 'can’t be a coincidence' that Suliman altered the spelling of his name upon entry.
The Home Office reiterated its stance, with a spokesperson stating: 'We will not allow foreign criminals and illegal migrants to exploit our laws... This government deported almost 5,200 foreign national offenders in its first year in office... and we will continue to do everything we can to remove these vile criminals from our streets.'
Suliman's case underscores ongoing tensions surrounding immigration policy, the execution of European Arrest Warrants, and the balance between human rights claims and public protection.
