The Muslim scholar who was convicted of raping an underage boy in 2019 has been hauled before the courts again on a similar charge. Neezam Ali made his appearance today at the Sexual Offences Court before Justice Priya Sewnarine-Beharry.
It is alleged that between December 2 and 31, 2011, in the county of Demerara, he engaged in sexual activity with a six-year-old boy, while being an educator at the Muslim Association Masjid, Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown. He denied the allegation.
In addition, Attorneys Simran Gajraj, Latifah Elliot, and Rabina Christmas, who are prosecuting the case, also presented another count against Ali for the offence of rape of an underaged child. That charge stated that he engaged in sexual penetration with the youth between the dates mentioned in the charge.
Ali was found guilty of raping a nine-year-old boy by abusing a position of trust between December 5 and 31, 2011. He was sentenced to 45 years imprisonment. On that occasion, he denied committing the crime, claiming that he suffered from erectile dysfunction.
Justice Navindra Singh in his ruling considered the fact that he took advantage of an underprivileged youth and that the sexual abuse occurred within the walls of a place of religion. Ali later appealed his case, on the grounds that Justice Singh misdirected the jury with regard to the medical evidence. Ali however is still expected to face trial for six more counts of child rape.
