Court rejects rapist’s appeal

Manama

A 31-year-old person will serve a one-year-jail sentence after losing his appeal on a rape conviction.
The accused was earlier held guilty of having sex with a teenage girl after blackmailing her that he would distribute her nude pictures.

The case was reported to police by the victim's sister, who claimed to be a stranger, according to court files.

Recounting her ordeal, the victim told officers, "I received a call from a man who claimed he had my naked pictures. He alleged he received them from the person I was having an affair with.

"He threatened me he would publish them online unless I give him BD300 or have sex with him."

The teenager didn't have cash, and he ordered her to go with him out to negotiate a deal. "He took me to his house, where he sexually assaulted me.

"Another day, he took me to Malkiya beach, and asked me to have sex with him. I refused and he said if I don't do it, he would bring all the people in Malkiya to have sex with me. But eventually nothing happened and he dropped me back."

 The accused was held guilty by the High Criminal Court on grounds of rape and blackmail, and the High Criminal Appeals Court rejected his appeal because he didn't provide any new evidence that could turn the tide to his favor, according to the appeal ruling.