Iraqi Migrant Trial: Rape Allegations in London Hostel

0:00On March 4, a 31-year-old Iraqi migrant faces charges of rape and sexual assault after an alleged attack on a woman in a London hostel last summer. You see if Al Maliki is on trial at South American Crown Court for incidents at the Aster Hostel in South Kensington. The case stems from an evening out drinking in Soho on July 31. Back at the hostel, the pair sat together in the communal lounge and cuddled, which she agreed to at first. She was escalated when he began touching her sexually, but she repeatedly said no and pushed his hands away. Despite her clear refusals, he followed her to the shared bedroom and got into her bed anyway. The woman grew scared that other residents might see and get her kicked out, so she hung a comforter around the bed for privacy. Still, he persisted, trying to go further under her clothes even as she kept saying no. Prosecutors argue her lack of consent was obvious from the start. She reported the assault to police just two days later on August 2.

1:00In his interview, Al Maliki claimed she was fully willing and an active participant, insisting she never said stop until after. The trial is ongoing with Al Maliki denying all charges of rape, sexual assault, and assault by penetration as both sides present their cases.