ABDUR RASHID FROM DUBLIN AND LEITRIM ESCAPES PRISON AFTER SEXUAL ASSAULT ON 6-YEAR-OLD GIRL AT MOSQUE

In a disturbing case that has shocked the communities of Dublin and Leitrim, Abdur Rashid, a man originally from Bangladesh and later residing in Blessington Court, Dublin, was convicted of sexually assaulting a six-year-old girl at a mosque in the greater Dublin area. The incident, which took place in December 2015, led to Rashid's initial detention and subsequent sentencing, but his release from prison has raised serious concerns about justice and accountability.

Rashid, aged 50, was sentenced in January at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to 18 months in prison for his role in the assault. The court heard that he had denied the charges, claiming that he had been teaching the girl the Islamic ritual of wudu at the mosque when the incident occurred. Despite his denial, evidence presented during the trial indicated that the girl had told her mother that Rashid had touched her genital area. When confronted by her mother, Rashid reportedly claimed that he was merely teaching her religious practices and that he had held her in his lap and kissed her, similar to how a father might show affection to his daughter.

According to court reports, Rashid denied kissing the girl with his tongue and insisted that he did not sexually molest her. He explained that he had lifted her up to kiss her because her reading performance was good, but that she slipped from his grasp, resulting in him holding her by the thighs. The court was informed that the girl had been experiencing nightmares about Rashid taking her away and was afraid to attend school following the assault.

Despite the gravity of the case, Rashid was granted a form of early release. The judge, Pauline Codd, sentenced him to 18 months but suspended the final four months for a year, provided he complies with probation, maintains good behavior, and keeps the peace. The sentence was backdated to January 30, the day Rashid was taken into custody, allowing him to walk free just four days after sentencing due to the Irish prison system's remission policy, which automatically reduces sentences by 25%.

As Rashid left Midlands Prison, he was seen carrying a plastic see-through bag filled with his belongings. When questioned about his departure and the allegations, he refused to apologize to the girl or her family. Instead, he insisted, “I’ve done nothing wrong,” and denied any involvement in the sexual assault. When asked if he feared deportation, Rashid stated that he was an Irish citizen, having been granted permission to stay in Ireland in 2001 and holding an Irish passport.

He further dismissed the accusations, saying, “I cannot remember,” when asked if he would like to acknowledge his crime. When questioned about any message to the girl or her family, Rashid responded, “Sorry? No. I am not sexual assault. I didn’t do it. Thank you, sir.” His attitude and comments have sparked outrage among the public and advocacy groups, who emphasize the importance of justice for victims of such heinous acts. The case has also highlighted concerns about the handling of sexual assault cases within religious communities and the potential for offenders to exploit positions of trust.