Married Under Sharia: Man Sentenced in Controversial Case

Orda.kz previously reported the shocking story of a 15-year-old girl who was married off under Sharia law to a 37-year-old Qaraganda resident. Today, the suspect was sentenced.

An Orda.kz correspondent attended the final court hearing.

The girl was forced into marriage by her mother and stepfather. The man in question was a family acquaintance. In March, he brought the child to a rented apartment and sexually assaulted her several times. 

After several days of violence and confinement, the girl managed to escape. She went to her father, removed her headscarf (her mother had forced her to wear a hijab), and told him everything. Together, they went to the police.

The investigation lasted approximately six months. Today, the suspect was sentenced. He received 17 years in prison.

The defendant's guilt has been proven by the testimony of the victim, her legal representative, witnesses, expert reports, and other criminal case materials. There are no mitigating circumstances. Find the defendant guilty under paragraph 1) of Part 3-1 of Article 120 of the Criminal Code (sexual assault of a minor). Sentence him to 17 years' imprisonment with a lifetime ban from holding teaching positions or positions involving work with minors,
 the Qaraganda court ruled.

The court ordered the prosecutor to investigate the schoolgirl's mother and stepfather. The investigation into the case may not end there.

Orda.kz journalists interviewed the victim's father several times. He is outraged that her stepfather and mother were not prosecuted. Following the complaints to the police, they tried to persuade the teenager to withdraw her statement and drop the charges.

Original Author: Inna Rutz