The former religious leader was convicted of rapes and abuses committed between 2004 and 2015 against seven victims
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A court in London found a religious leader of Islam guilty of a series of serious sexual offenses committed over more than a decade against seven women and girls, claiming to have "magical powers", three of them underage at the time of the events.
This is Abdul Halim Khan., 54 years old, who was convicted at Snaresbrook Crown Court of 21 charges that include rape, rape of children under 13, sexual assault, and assault by penetration. The sexual abuse occurred between 2004 and 2015.
During the trial it was revealed that the defendant used his position of authority within the community to manipulate the victims, assuring them that he could protect them from supposed harm or misfortune. Under that claim, he summoned them to secluded places where he then carried out the attacks.
The Prosecutor's Office explained that the victims took years to report the abuse out of fear and because of the influence that the defendant exerted over them; he led the prayers and fulfilled the role of spiritual guide within the mosque. The case came to light in February 2018, when the youngest victim told a teacher what had happened. Based on that revelation, the Metropolitan Police launched an investigation that included taking more than 50 statements and collecting evidence that led to the formal indictment in March 2023.
After the verdict became known, one of the victims stated that the abuse she suffered in her childhood had a deep and lasting impact on her life, affecting her confidence and her perception of authority. She also emphasized the importance of having been heard and supported during the judicial process.
El hecho ocurrió en Londres.
From the Crown Prosecution Service, prosecutor Melissa Garner maintained that the defendant took advantage of his position of trust to commit serious offenses against vulnerable victims, and she stressed that the ruling reflects the "commitment" of the authorities to prosecute this type of crime, no matter how much time has passed.
The convicted man remains in custody and will be sentenced next May 14 in the same court. The authorities reiterated the call for anyone who has suffered sexual abuse to report it, emphasizing that there are support and assistance mechanisms for victims.
