Survivors ask why Sheffield rapist was able to flee to Pakistan
Victims of a convicted serial rapist, Amar Ilyas, have expressed outrage after he fled to Pakistan while on bail. The case has sparked a debate regarding judicial bail decisions and the balance between human rights and public safety.
Why it matters
It raises critical questions about the efficacy of the justice system and the protection of victims in high-profile sexual abuse cases.
Image source, National Crime Agency Image caption, Amar Ilyas was released on court bail before his trial, during which time he travelled to Pakistan
Yorkshire home and social affairs correspondent Published 7 October 2026, 06:10 BST Three women who were sexually abused by a serial rapist have said they feel "betrayed" and "frustrated" after their attacker fled to Pakistan while on bail.
Amar Ilyas, 41, was convicted of 20 sexual offences against five girls in Sheffield and was sentenced, in his absence, to a minimum of 27 years in prison.
One of his victims told the BBC she had assumed his passport would automatically be surrendered after he was charged and said she was "so disappointed in the law".
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