An Islamic leader who falsely claimed to possess supernatural abilities has been sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 20 years for preying on vulnerable women and girls as young as 12. Abdul Halim Khan, 54, misused his authority as an imam to sexually abuse seven victims from the Muslim community between 2005 and 2014, according to Snaresbrook Crown Court.
Prosecutors revealed that Khan, while serving as an imam at a mosque, lured the victims to secluded places such as flats and hidden locations, where he would then assault them sexually, all while asserting that he was either possessed or transformed into a jinn (a supernatural being).
The victims, under duress, kept the abuse hidden out of fear of retaliation through “black magic.” Judge Leslie Cuthbert, during sentencing, condemned Khan’s actions, stating that he exploited the trust of women who believed in him for his own gratification.
Cuthbert further added that Khan’s manipulative behavior towards the victims, who were part of the same community he served, was facilitated by the victims’ reluctance to report him due to potential shame and societal stigma. The judge emphasized that Khan’s confidence in evading accountability was unfounded, as justice has now been served.
