A WICKED stepmother is on trial for allegedly trafficking her young stepdaughter after ‘convincing’ her to take part in the vice trade, the High Criminal Court heard.
The 38-year-old woman flew into Bahrain from Pakistan with the child, whose age was only specified as ‘under 18 years of age’, reportedly with the express purpose of getting her to practice sex work.
She was charged with transporting the girl between two residential flats, intending to ‘exploit’ the youngster for her own gain, as well as encouraging and aiding a minor to commit prostitution.
The Pakistani woman was also accused of relying on the income generated by the victim’s engagement in the vice trade.
“I came to Bahrain accompanied by my father’s wife after she persuaded me to enter the sex work scene,” she told the Public Prosecution. “As soon as we arrived, we went to a hotel, where we stayed for five days, then we moved to another hotel. Then, the defendant began bringing customers to me, who were seeking pleasure, and I received money from them, which I would then hand over to her.”
Due to her age, the child was designated as being ‘in a state where she was unable to consent’ in court documents.
A policeman testified that, according to information he obtained, the Pakistani women ‘brought clients from various nationalities’ to the girl, who she was able to attract through social media platforms.
She reportedly ‘advertised’ the stepdaughter’s body, offering sex for money.
The girl has been moved to a shelter and her stepmother admitted to accusations upon being interviewed by the Public Prosecution.
The prosecution received a report on the defendant from the Anti-Human Trafficking Directorate, stating that she had exploited a girl of her own nationality in unlawful activities for her own profit, using coercion and threats.
Judges adjourned the hearing to December 14 for defence arguments.
zainab@gdnmedia.bh
&uuid=(email))