Freedom Charity responds to the Luton forced-marriage conviction
Editorial clarification (September 2026): This archive post retains its original WordPress publication date. Kulbir Singh Moroak was convicted in June 2023 and sentenced on 25 August 2023. References below to sentencing describe the later outcome and should not be read as statements made on the original publication date. The original attributed quotation has been preserved. See the Attorney General’s Office account of the conviction and the September 2023 sentencing report.
Freedom Charity founder Aneeta Prem MBE commented on the conviction of Kulbir Singh Moroak, the first person convicted of forced marriage in Bedfordshire. The case illustrates the importance of recognising coercion and supporting people who may fear further abuse if they disclose what is happening.
Moroak was convicted in June 2023 of forced marriage and other offences after abusing a woman and forcing her into marriage. He was sentenced to four years and six months in prison on 25 August 2023. The Attorney General’s Office confirmed that his was Bedfordshire’s first forced-marriage conviction. The case also shows why victims may need sustained, discreet safeguarding support before they feel able to speak to police.
Freedom Charity works to prevent forced marriage, FGM and Dishonour Abuse through safeguarding information, education, professional training and routes to help. People at risk should be able to seek support without having to confront family members or disclose more than is safe.
“The sentencing of Kulbir Singh Moroak is a crucial milestone in our fight against forced marriages and dishonour-based violence,” says Aneeta Prem. “His conviction for forced marriage, coercive and controlling behaviour, along with multiple counts of assault, highlights the strength and resilience of the survivor and sends a clear message to society – such behaviour is both criminal and morally unacceptable.”
Aneeta Prem’s novels “But It’s Not Fair” and “Cut Flowers” use fiction to support informed discussion of forced marriage and FGM; they are not firsthand accounts of the victim in this case. Freedom’s forced-marriage information explains warning signs and routes to support.
Freedom Charity provides information and support for people affected by forced marriage, FGM and Dishonour Abuse through its website (www.freedomcharity.org.uk), their specialist helpline, and numerous outreach and educational programs.
For media enquiries or interview requests, visit Freedom Charity’s Media page or use the contact form.
ABOUT FREEDOM CHARITY
Freedom Charity was founded in 2009 and works to prevent forced marriage, FGM and Dishonour Abuse. Its work includes safeguarding information, school resources, professional training, a specialist helpline and campaigns to strengthen protection.