Islamic teacher spared jail for sexual abuse of 11-year-old girl

12th October, 2017

With news that 40-year-old Islamic teacher Suleman Maknojioa ("Maknojioa") was spared jail for repeatedly sexually abusing an 11-year-old girl, because the father of six's family is dependent on him, he has kidney problems, is on benefits and his wife doesn't work or speak English, then I must ask when we, as a society are going to say enough is enough.

Although this case occurred in the UK a few years ago, Preston Crown Court was advised at the time that Maknojioa had been employed by the child's parents in 2012 to teach the family (her brothers and her) about the Islamic faith at their home in Lancashire. The abuse lasted approximately nine months, and the victim advised the Court "I did not want it, but I was too afraid to say something."

Whilst advocating and promoting aspects of sharia law throughout the case, Maknojioa ultimately showed little remorse and was convicted on five counts of sexual activity. Maknojioa's sentence however caused much division and outrage when the Court sentenced Maknojioa to 40-weeks, however suspended that prison term for two years after the Court was advised his family was reliant upon him, infuriating not only the victim, her parents and family, but also the public and community alike.

What sort of message does a decision like this say to paedophiles, let alone to the young victim in this case. When is it ok to allow a monster, and yes, a monster like this to abuse his victim, and then to be let off and spared jail all because the father of six's family is so dependent on him.

I raise this as a few months ago, it was reported in Australia that Sydney University was teaching, as part of its "Muslim Minorities And The Law" course how sharia law can be incorporated into Australia's legal system. It was also reported that Professors Salim Farrar and Dr Ghena Krayem are teaching how polygamy, and lowering the age of consent could be sufficiently applied to Western civilisation, and therefore incorporated into our Australian Law.

At the time, it was reported that the age of consent could be lowered to nine years of age, however as a father with two daughters myself, I find this abhorrent to not only me, but I also believe many of my fellow Australians.

The course curriculum also refers to a book, written by the professors themselves that promotes the idea that "sharia law and common law are not inherently incompatible". I am also led to believe that a portion of the textbook identifies the benefits of turning away from monogamous relationships and notes how sharia law does not recognise the minimum age in marriage, again values that are inconsistent with the not only Australian Law, but also the fabric of our society and way of life here in Australia.

Whilst Australia is a tolerant society, there is no place for sharia law in our country, and nor is there any place for polygamy, and lowering the age of consent. Likewise, there is no place for the crimes like those committed by Maknojioa, and nor the inadequate sentence that was handed down in this case. Our children are our future and its incumbent upon all of us to protect our children.

We need strong leaders in our country, who are prepared to fight, defend and protect our society, our laws and our way of life.

It's time for change Australia.

Philip Couper