Iraqi court sentences man to 15 years for sexually abusing neighbor's minor daughter in Najaf

BAGHDAD, Iraq — A criminal court in Dhi Qar province has sentenced a man to 15 years in prison for sexually abusing the underage daughter of a neighbor in the city of Najaf. The verdict was issued unanimously by the Dhi Qar Criminal Court after evidence established that the defendant had abused his neighbor's minor child, who is under 15 years of age. During the trial, the court reviewed evidence concerning the time and location of the offense. The ruling was based on Article 393, as amended, of the Iraqi Penal Code No. 111 of 1969, which provides for harsher penalties in cases of forced sexual assault against persons under 18. Under the article, such offenses can carry a sentence of life imprisonment or the death penalty. Taking into account the factual circumstances of the case and the age of the victim, the court concluded that a 15-year prison term was the appropriate sentence. The final judgment will move to the enforcement stage after the appeal process at the Dhi Qar Court of Cassation is completed.