A Nigerian student has been sentenced to 14 years in prison for sexually assaulting a fellow student in a dormitory and videotaping the crime. The case, heard at the Lefkosa High Criminal Court, concluded with the conviction of Obasi Chimezirm Princewill on charges of sexual assault and serious assault.
Details of the Incident
The assault occurred between 10:30 PM and 1:30 AM on March 25-26, 2023, in a student dormitory in Hamitkoy. The defendant entered the victim's room with her consent, then proceeded to strangle her before sexually assaulting her three times. The judge noted that the defendant also secretly recorded the assault without the victim's knowledge.
Court Proceedings and Sentencing
Senior Judge Vedia Berkut Barkin delivered the court's decision, stating that the defendant was found guilty on all charges. The judge emphasized that the defendant's lack of remorse and his status as an undocumented immigrant were aggravating factors. 'The defendant came to our country as a student. After becoming an illegal immigrant, he continued to reside here and committed such a grave crime,' Judge Barkin said.
The judge also mentioned that penalties had been increased due to amendments in the penal code in response to rising sexual crimes. However, she stressed that the penalties for such offenses, which deeply wound society, should be reviewed and revised further.
Aggravating Factors
In announcing the sentence, the judge considered the following factors: secretly videotaping the victim without consent, committing heinous crimes while evading authorities, and showing no remorse or shame during the trial. These elements contributed to the 14-year prison sentence.
