Verdict Against 14-Year-Old After Attacks on Sister Over Headscarf

On the last day before the summer holidays, the 16-year-old decided to remove her headscarf. This was not accepted by her brother. He became violent and repeatedly threatened to kill her if she did not cover her hair. Additionally, he generally restricted her lifestyle.

Sister Removed Headscarf, 14-Year-Old Threatened and Attacked Her

The teenager, originally from Iraq and still almost childlike in appearance, forbade the 16-year-old from associating with her best friend because she had a steady boyfriend. He also prohibited her from meeting her male school friends, with the sister actually breaking off contact with all male acquaintances, as she revealed to the judge. She was afraid, "that he would hit me in front of them."

She also had to delete pictures on Instagram and erase other social media accounts. However, covering her hair again was not an option for the teenager. "That was my final decision. He couldn't do anything about it," she affirmed during her testimony in the Gray House. Even when the 14-year-old threatened her with a knife, she did not waver from her decision. She also endured punches to the upper arm and insults and abuse.

Sister Locked Herself in Her Room at Night as a Precaution

As a precaution, she locked herself in her room at night: "My mother told me to lock the door. So that he wouldn't come to me and cut my hair or stab me." The siblings' mother, who was also threatened and intimidated by the accused because she supported her daughter's decision, eventually sought help from the youth welfare office. They involved the police. The previously unblemished 14-year-old was taken into pre-trial detention on October 18 at the request of the public prosecutor's office due to the risk of committing an offense.

In court, the student, who was escorted to the trial in handcuffs by the judicial guard, presented himself rather meekly and tearfully. "I think I am partially guilty," he said at the beginning of his interrogation. When the judge wanted to start questioning, he began to cry, prompting his defense attorney to request the exclusion of the public. There were too many people in the courtroom, and his client could not "open up" under these circumstances, argued the lawyer, and was successful. The defendant was questioned behind closed doors.

Defense Attorney: "Feared for the Family's Reputation"

The defense attorney described the 14-year-old as an "immature adolescent." He saw himself "in the role of the brother and the only man in the household." The boy's father lives in Australia. "He was simply afraid for the family's reputation," explained the defense attorney regarding the defendant's actions.

The 14-year-old was found guilty of bodily harm, dangerous threat, and coercion. In addition to the suspended sentence, the boy was ordered to undergo psychotherapeutic treatment. Probation assistance was also ordered.

After the verdict was announced, the 14-year-old was released. He is not expected to return to his family for the time being. His mother has obtained a restraining order against the boy, prohibiting him from entering the apartment. "That he is removed so that no problems arise," as the mother explained to the court.

(APA/Red)

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