A 42-year-old man in Manama has been sentenced to five years in prison for kidnapping a woman after inviting her to his apartment for lunch. The High Appeals Court upheld the original sentence issued by a lower court, where the man was also convicted of assault and robbery. According to the victim’s testimony, upon arriving at the man’s apartment, he locked the door, confiscated her phones, threw one of them from the balcony, and stole her purse, which contained valuable items.
The victim was then attacked, struck approximately 15 times on the head and body with a metal rod. In a desperate attempt to save her life, she fled to the kitchen, grabbed a knife, and barricaded herself in the bathroom. Despite her efforts, the defendant broke down the door, disarmed her, and continued the assault, kicking and hitting her with a glass water bottle. He then confined her to the balcony for about two hours.
During this time, a hotel security guard, alerted by a tenant who had heard the woman’s cries for help, approached the apartment. The guard found the defendant sweating, with his clothes soiled, and the victim visibly bruised and distressed. Despite her attempts to signal for help, the defendant dismissed the guard’s concerns and forced him to leave. Police were eventually contacted and upon their arrival, the defendant answered the door holding a Quran, dressed in medical attire, and carrying an iron cane.
He claimed the victim was his wife and that he was treating her with the Quran. Initially, he refused to allow police to speak with her, stating that she didn’t speak to men. However, he eventually allowed her to come to the door, where visible bruises indicated the severity of the situation. The following day, the security guard reported seeing the defendant spraying water throughout the apartment, prompting further police involvement. Although the victim initially hesitated to fully report the incident due to her lack of residency permits, she eventually provided a full account of the ordeal.
This horrific incident serves as a reminder of the importance of being cautious when meeting strangers and accepting invitations to private spaces. The victim’s bravery in telling her story despite the challenges she faced highlights the need for proper support and protection for survivors of such traumatic experiences. It is crucial for authorities to take swift action in cases of violence against women to ensure justice is served and to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
The sentence handed down to the defendant sends a strong message that such violent and criminal behavior will not be tolerated in society. It also emphasizes the importance of respecting the rights and safety of others, regardless of gender. As members of the community, it is our responsibility to speak out against violence and support victims in seeking justice and healing. By standing together and advocating for change, we can create a safer and more compassionate society for all.
