An imam who sexually abused ladies and ladies as younger as 12 by convincing them he possessed magical powers to treatment most cancers faces life behind bars with a minimal time period of 20 years.
Particulars of the Abuse
Abdul Halim Khan, a 54-year-old religion chief from Tower Hamlets in east London, focused a number of victims over 11 years between 2004 and 2015. He satisfied them they had been possessed by a Jinn—a supernatural spirit in Islam—and claimed sexual acts would treatment their most cancers. Khan threatened to make use of ‘black magic’ in the event that they disclosed his crimes.
The abuse surfaced in 2017 when his youngest sufferer reported it to a faculty instructor, prompting a Metropolitan Police investigation that interviewed over 50 witnesses. Khan, from Bethnal Inexperienced, denied the fees, alleging a conspiracy by the victims.
Courtroom Conviction and Sentencing
At Snaresbrook Crown Courtroom, Khan was convicted on 21 counts of rape, sexual assault, and youngster sexual offenses in opposition to seven victims. Choose Leslie Cuthbert described the crimes as ‘crafty, obscene manipulation, and uncaring selfishness.’
The choose said: ‘You took monstrous benefit of girls who trusted you. You openly raped and sexually assaulted seven females. You behaved as should you had been untouchable. You had been assured they might not overcome the disgrace they might be uncovered to by reporting you.’
Witnesses portrayed Khan as ‘God-like’ for twisting Islamic teachings to justify his actions. Choose Cuthbert famous no regret from Khan, emphasizing his ongoing hazard to women and girls, notably these alone with him and held in excessive esteem by the neighborhood.
Imposing a life sentence, the choose warned: ‘There is no such thing as a assure you’ll be launched.’ She recommended the victims, police, and legal professionals, saying: ‘I recognise the braveness, endurance, and resilience of the victims and their households. Justice doesn’t erase trauma, however I hope it is possible for you to to achieve some type of closure.’
Sufferer’s Testimony
One sufferer shared: ‘The abuse I suffered as a toddler has had a profound and lasting impression on my life. What occurred to me didn’t finish when the abuse stopped; it affected my sense of security, my means to belief others, and the best way I understood relationships and authority.’
She described dwelling with disgrace, concern, and confusion, dropping belief in individuals, programs, and herself. Coming ahead was troublesome, however police help restored some belief. She hopes the end result acknowledges the hurt and encourages different survivors: ‘You aren’t alone, you aren’t guilty, and what occurred to you issues.’
Police and Prosecution Response
Detective Sergeant Sara Yems, who led the investigation, praised the victims’ braveness: ‘It exhibits outstanding energy for anybody to report abuse, particularly when the abuser is believed to be a trusted determine. The seven ladies who got here ahead have proven extraordinary braveness… I hope they function inspiration to different victims and survivors.’
She thanked the Met officers and reaffirmed dedication to tackling violence in opposition to ladies and ladies.
Melissa Garner, Specialist Prosecutor for the Crown Prosecution Service, mentioned: ‘Khan abused his place of belief and authority to hold out a vicious sequence of rapes and sexual abuses in opposition to seven victims, together with three weak teenage ladies. He coerced and deceived them into considering he possessed supernatural powers.’
Garner careworn the lifelong trauma precipitated and urged victims to report: ‘The CPS will relentlessly pursue justice… You aren’t alone and there may be at all times assist accessible.’
