London park rape: Two Afghan migrants convicted

Two Afghan migrants, Khan Agah, 19, and Noorullah Ahmdzai, 26, have been convicted of the knifepoint rape of a woman in Barking Park, east London. The attack occurred on 16 August 2025, while the victim was on a first date stargazing with a companion.

During the trial at Snaresbrook Crown Court, prosecutors stated that Ahmdzai raped the woman while Agah held a knife to the companion's throat, threatening to kill him if he alerted the police. The victim testified that the men pinned her to the ground, describing the ordeal as a ‘harrowing attack’ that left her numb.

The convictions have intensified the UK debate regarding asylum policy and public safety. The ruling comes as the Home Office issues new guidance to asylum seekers, titled ‘Understanding Behaviours and Expectations in the UK’, which outlines legal requirements regarding consent and sexual conduct. The guidance has faced criticism from political figures, including Conservative MP Katie Lam and Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, who questioned the efficacy of providing such information to new arrivals.