KUWAIT CITY, July 8 : The Criminal Court on Monday adjourned the case of a citizen accused of kidnapping and sexually assaulting a nine-year-old Syrian in Maidan Hawally on the morning of the first day of Eid Al-Fitr. The verdict will be announced on July 14. The trial session witnessed a moving plea by Attorney Alaa Al-Saeedi -- the victim’s representative, as she demanded the maximum penalty be imposed on the accused under Article 180 of the Penal Code; which stipulates the death penalty for anyone who kidnaps a person using force, threat or deception with the intent to rape or compel the latter to engage in prostitution.

Al-Saeedi revealed that the accused is a habitual offender and has a criminal record dating back to 2003, including kidnapping and assault on minors under the age of 18. She explained that the crime occurred while the child was on his way to perform Eid prayers; indicating the perpetrator lured him to his apartment, beat him, sexually assaulted him, and then left him on the street. She confirmed that the forensic evidence report proved that the child was assaulted, which strengthened the proof of the crime. She then stressed the need not to be lenient with the accused, reiterating that he has a criminal record.

By Jaber Al-Hamoud

Al-Seyassah/Arab times Staff