LONDON (UNITED KINGDOM)
Khaama Press News Agency [Kabul, Afghanistan]
February 15, 2026
By Fidel Rahmati
A London mosque imam was convicted of 21 sexual assaults after abusing his religious position to target women and minors over years.
British media reported that the former east London mosque imam was found guilty on Friday of 21 counts of rape and sexual assault involving seven victims.
The court heard he abused his religious position to lure victims from the Muslim community into private locations where the assaults were committed.
Prosecutors said the victims were manipulated through claims of spiritual possession and promises of protection from supernatural harm, allowing abuse to continue for years.
Three victims were teenage girls at the time, while others remained silent out of fear that spiritual threats or harm could affect their families.
Senior prosecutor Melissa Garner said lifelong physical and psychological harm had been inflicted, praising victims for their courage in coming forward.
Authorities stressed the conviction demonstrates that offenders will be prosecuted regardless of how much time has passed since the crimes occurred.
The case was pursued by the Crown Prosecution Service, which emphasized continued efforts to support victims and hold sexual offenders accountable.
The verdict highlights ongoing concerns over abuse of authority in religious settings and reinforces calls for stronger safeguards to protect vulnerable community members.