Pakistani imam convicted of rape in Norway

Aftenposten:

A 41-year-old imam from eastern Norway has been sentenced to two-and-a-half years in prison after being convicted of raping a 30-year-old woman in the southern city of Kristiansand.

The imam, originally from Pakistan, had been invited to Kristiansand by the local Muslim community during the holy season of Ramadan in the fall of 2004.

Aften attending an evening meeting at the local mosque, the imam encountered the woman on a local street. She was intoxicated at the time, and he allegedly asked if she needed help.

She claims she followed him to a room at the mosque, at which point he tried to fondle her and then raped her. The court claimed she was under the influence and depressed, while he was sober and at an advantage.

The imam denied that he raped the woman, but has admitted having sex with her.

In addition to the prison term, the imam was ordered to pay the woman NOK 100,000 (about USD 15,000) in compensation.

His defense attorney, Bjørn Stefanussen, said he would appeal the conviction. "The court has only taken into consideration the plaintiff's explanation, and my client hasn't been believed," said Stefanussen.

Rape as Punishment

Mukhtar Mai - history of a rape case

Pakistani Rape Victim Learns, Teaches and Weeps as She Goes

City court acquits Imam of rape charges due to lack of evidence

Rape imam is jailed for 10 years

Denmark: Imam demands apology for Mohammed cartoons