(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) The Sharjah Shariah Court of First Instance has sentenced an Arab teenager to one year in jail for sexually assaulting a 13-year-old boy inside a mosque''s toilet in Sharjah.
The 14-year-old accused was allegedly watching the boy as he played near his home. Then he dragged the boy to the toilet and threatened to hurt him if he did not follow. He sexually assaulted the boy, accompanied by another unidentified accomplice. They threatened the victim not to tell anyone about the incident. The victim was so scared and did not tell his family. However, the accused, after some time, asked the boy to do it again, which he refused. The accused threatened to go to his school and assault him there. The victim then informed his father, who reported the incident to the police. The accused was arrested and referred to the Sharjah Public Prosecution. During the Public Prosecution and court interrogations, the accused confessed to the crime. Rehabilitation of assaulters The Sharjah Department of Social Services recently organised a workshop, held by psychiatrist and consultant Dr Aida Hashim, to rehabilitate those who sexually assault children. The event was organised to mark the International Day of Innocent Child Victims of Aggression on June 4. During the workshop, Dr Aida Hashim noted that most institutions are focused on rehabilitating the victims, but not those who commit the crimes. She warned against neglecting the culprits as they may repeat the assaults. Rehabilitating them can serve as a precautionary measure to protect children from people who are convicted for such crimes.
Amira Agarib