MEDIA
BBC row over backing for rapist’s case
Yaqub Ahmed was sent back to Somalia after a lengthy legal battle. One attempt to deport him was foiled by passengers on the flight
Insiders have cast doubt on whether a journalist who was hired as an expert witness by the legal team of a gang rapist sought the proper permissions from the BBC.
Mary Harper, a BBC Africa reporter, argued against Yaqub Ahmed, 34, being returned to Somalia. Ahmed, 34, was sent back to Somalia in August after a lengthy legal battle that was reported to have cost up to £1 million.
A source highlighted the BBC’s strict guidelines and processes that govern external engagements for staff.
“Had a request been submitted then there would have been a conversation with her manager about the case,” they said. “People are very aware of their responsibilities. There are concerns that it wasn’t flagged by the individual.”
Harper, who has published
