The Criminal Court has sentenced a Quran teacher to 15 years in jail over the sexual abuse of a student.

Ali Shathir, Shaaraaz, Dh. Hulhudhelhi, was alleged of having touched the chest of a student who went to him to study Quran, after stating he loved the student. He was subsequently charged with sexually abusing a minor whilst in a position of trust in connection to the case.

Although Shathir pled not guilty to the charges, the Criminal Court had concluded that the charges were proven beyond reasonable doubt through the evidence submitted by the prosecution.

Shathir was sentenced to 15 years in prison in connection to the case. As he has already spent one year and four months in custody in the duration of the investigation and trial – he will only have to serve 13 years and eight months now.