ZIAD KHAWLA FROM BELFAST ACCUSED OF SEXUAL ASSAULT ON TEENAGER AT DERELICT NIGHTCLUB

A man identified as Ziad Khawla appeared before Belfast Crown Court today, facing serious allegations involving a teenage boy in a derelict nightclub within the city. Khawla, a 26-year-old asylum seeker originally from Palestine and residing at Ashburne Mews in Belfast, was formally charged with three separate offences that allegedly occurred last March.

During the court proceedings, Khawla was represented by an Arabic interpreter, as he entered a plea of not guilty to all charges. The court confirmed his identity before proceeding with the case. The charges include a serious allegation that, on March 2, 2024, Khawla raped a 15-year-old boy. In addition to this, he faced two counts of sexual assault related to the same incident date, all of which he denied.

While the court did not disclose specific details of the alleged offences during today’s arraignment, it was previously reported that the teenage complainant had informed police that he was approached by a stranger near the Waterfront Hall in Belfast. The teenager recounted that the stranger asked if he wanted a cigarette, after which they walked together to an abandoned nightclub. It was there that the teenager claimed he was pushed to the ground and subjected to a serious sexual assault by Khawla.

Following Khawla’s plea of not guilty, Judge Sandra Crawford indicated that she would review the case again on April 8, 2024, to set a date for the trial. The defendant was subsequently released on continuing bail, pending further proceedings.

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