A Bahraini man has been acquitted of assaulting a domestic worker after the High Appeals Court overturned a three-year prison sentence due to inconsistencies in the complainant’s testimony. The defendant’s lawyer argued that the domestic worker had initiated contact and attempted to extort him for financial gain. The initial trial found the defendant guilty of sexual assault without consent based on the domestic worker’s accusations.
The lawyer, Dina Al Qamish, presented evidence suggesting that the domestic worker, who was employed on an hourly basis, had arranged to meet the defendant and requested personal items before the alleged assault, indicating consent. She also pointed out inconsistencies in the complainant’s claims about being unable to contact the police or friends for help, despite being able to text the defendant and having easy means of escape.
Al Qamish highlighted that the complainant’s account was implausible, especially considering that the defendant had gone to shower before the alleged assault, giving her ample opportunity to leave or call for help. She argued that the complainant had initiated contact with the defendant, suggesting a massage and requesting the use of personal items beforehand, as indicated by text messages.
The lawyer further emphasized that the evidence relied solely on the complainant’s testimony, with forensic medical reports supporting the defendant’s account and indicating an attempt to extort him financially. The complainant even stole the defendant’s iPad, leading to a confrontation when he refused her demands. The High Appeals Court, finding significant doubt in the complainant’s account, ultimately acquitted the defendant.
