"An imam who subjected women and girls as young as 12 to rape and sexual assault after claiming he had supernatural powers has been sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 20 years. Abdul Halim Khan, an Indian national, exploited his respected position as a faith leader to abuse seven women and girls within the Muslim community over a nine-year period, between 2005 and 2014, Snaresbrook Crown Court heard."
"Khan would then proceed to rape or sexually abuse them under the guise of being possessed by or disguised as a jinn, a supernatural spirit, the court was told. Victims were reportedly coerced into silence, fearing that speaking out would bring harm to their families through "black magic, according to prosecutors. Sentencing Khan, Judge Leslie Cuthbert condemned his actions, stating: Behind a public appearance of propriety and holiness you took monstrous advantage of women who trusted you, all for your own sexual satisfaction."
"The judge continued: You brazenly raped and sexually assaulted seven females both children and young women. You behaved as if you were untouchable. Abdul Halim Khan was sentenced at Snaresbrook Crown Court in east London on Thursday (PA Archive) The judge continued: You were confident that none of the victims, who came from the same community in which you were an imam, would overcome the potential shame and stigma they might sadly feel, or be exposed to, by reporting you."
"You were confident that if they did come forward it would be you and not they who would be believed. Judge Cuthbert described Khan's criminality as an unrestrained campaign of rape and abuse of women and girls, adding: It is the work of a serial rapist and child abuser, but it is impossible for me to encapsulate succinctly the devastation you have caused. He further warned: I am"
A faith leader was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 20 years for raping and sexually abusing seven women and girls over nine years. The offenses involved victims as young as 12. He exploited his position as an imam to lure victims into isolated locations such as private flats and secluded areas. He carried out sexual assaults while claiming he was possessed by or disguised as a jinn, a supernatural spirit. Prosecutors said victims were coerced into silence through fear that speaking out would bring harm to their families through black magic. The judge condemned the conduct as a campaign of rape and abuse and emphasized the devastation caused.
Read at www.independent.co.uk
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