Man ‘raped 14-year-old child bride after illegal ceremony’
Mohammed Shakir, 34, from Melbourne, is accused of having sex with the girl in 2016
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A girl was allegedly raped after being forced into a marriage aged only 14, a court has heard.
Mohammed Shakir, 34, from Melbourne, is accused of having sex with the girl in 2016, following their wedding, which was conducted by ex-imam Ibrahim Omerdic, 61, who also faces charges related to the marriage.
The girl, who has not been named, has “ongoing health issues” and is currently in a “fragile state”, prosecutor Ranjani Padmanabhan told Melbourne Magistrates Court.
Mr Shakir was informed the girl’s parents would give evidence at his hearing and he appeared in court via video link, the Daily Mail reported.
Mr Omerdic, who is the former imam at the Bosnian Islamic Society and Noble Park Mosque, has been sacked and had his marriage celebrant licence revoked.
“A new Imam has been appointed. Omerdic is no longer the Imam of the Noble Park Mosque and has no role with the Society,” Noble Park Mosque said in a statement.
The Islamic Council of Victoria condemned underage marriages and said despite it being permitted elsewhere it was not acceptable in Australia.
“It is true that marriage at a younger age is permitted in other countries and cultures, but this is not a justification for marriage below the legal age or child marriages here in Australia,” it said.
Mr Omerdic is on bail while Mr Shakir is currently in custody. The hearing is scheduled for April.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.