6:16 pm | Posted by Webmaster

Judge: ‘Muslims think they can beat their wives’

Muslims think they can actually beat their wives, a judge has told Tallaght Court.

Judge Anthony Halpin made his claim yesterday as he was dealing with a man accused of burgling his estranged wife’s house.

Khadar Younis, aged 46, a Somali national from Belfry Hall, Citywest, had pleaded not guilty to burglary, contravening a protection order, and possession of a knife, at Fernwood Avenue, Springfield, Tallaght, on May 10.

He also pleaded not guilty to contravening a protection order at the same address on April 10 and April 17, 2013.

Sergeant Bernard Jones said the DPP had directed summary disposal in the burglary charge.

Younis’ ex-wife, Kara Ibrahim, told the court that, on May 10, she had been asleep when she heard a noise. She said she awoke to find Mr Younis threatening her with a knife. She said Mr Younis thought he could come into the house.

Mr Younis’ lawyer, John O’Leary, said his client had been divorced by a Muslim cleric under the Quran.

Judge Halpin told Mr O’Leary: “Muslims feel as if they can actually beat their wives.” Mr O’Leary also said there was no evidence of a physical assault.

Ms Ibrahim then said she wanted to drop the case.

Judge Halpin noted that a divorce had been solemnised under the Quran by a Muslim cleric. He said he would put the case back for six months to resume the hearing or to strike out the case and told Ms Ibrahim she was to call the gardaí if there were any further breaches.

Judge Halpin remanded Mr Younis on continuing bail to a date in September.