Yousif Al-Maliki, a 31-year-old Iraqi migrant who sought asylum in the UK citing his bisexuality and fear of torture in Baghdad, has been sentenced to six and a half years in prison for rape at the Astor Hostel in South Kensington, London.
The incident occurred after Al-Maliki and his victim, an Indian student, met and drank together in Soho last year. Following the complaint made by the victim, police arrested Al-Maliki, leading to his conviction.
The victim and Al-Maliki were both assigned beds at the Astor Hostel on 1 August 2025. After socialising and drinking in Soho, they returned to the hostel. Despite the woman’s clear refusals, Al-Maliki forced himself on her in the communal lounge and later in her bed, disregarding her protests and concerns about the hostel’s rules.
The woman initially did not report the assault, fearing eviction from the hostel, which prohibits sharing beds. She attempted to conceal the encounter with a bed covering. The following morning, she disclosed the assault to Al-Maliki, who reportedly laughed at her claim of injury.
At Southwark Crown Court, Judge Christopher Hehir sentenced Al-Maliki, highlighting his refusal to accept no for an answer and noting the absence of genuine remorse. The judge also referenced Al-Maliki’s prior deportation and indicated that he may face deportation again after completing his sentence.
Prosecutor Jose Olivares-Chandler detailed how the victim repeatedly declined Al-Maliki’s sexual advances, which he dismissed by betting that sex would occur. The jury was told that the victim’s lack of consent was clear and that Al-Maliki had no reasonable belief that consent was given during the sexual acts.
Al-Maliki returned to the UK in September 2024 via a small boat after being deported. His asylum claim, based on his sexual orientation and the risks he faces in Iraq, will be reconsidered in light of his conviction. The judge emphasised public interest concerns regarding his future in the country.
Originally published by UKNIP.
