GCC National Acquitted of Rape Charges in Appeal Court Ruling

TDT | Manama

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The High Appeals Court has overturned a life imprisonment sentence against a GCC national, acquitting him of rape charges against a woman of Arab nationality. The court's decision was based on doubts surrounding the victim's testimony and evidence from security cameras that showed her entering the defendant's residence willingly.

The defendant's lawyer, Bandar Shamal Al Dosari, stated that his client had a prior relationship with the victim and met her at his residence in a hotel. After she left, she filed a criminal complaint accusing him of rape and assault. A default judgment was issued, sentencing the defendant to life imprisonment and deportation upon completion of his sentence.

The defendant appealed the judgment, and the court heard the victim's testimony and reviewed evidence presented by the defense.

The defense witness testified that he saw the defendant and the victim together before the alleged incident, without any signs of conflict. They appeared to be together willingly. The defense also requested access to security camera footage from the building where the alleged assault occurred.

The court found the victim's testimony to be inconsistent and unreliable, noting that security footage clearly showed her entering the defendant's residence willingly. Additionally, the court determined that the victim's injuries could not be conclusively linked to the defendant.

Based on these findings, the court acquitted the defendant of all charges, concluding that the evidence presented did not support the allegations against him.