Yousif Al-Maliki, a 31-year-old Iraqi migrant who sought asylum in the UK citing his bisexuality and fears 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 night out, they returned to the hostel where the assault took place.
Both the victim and Al-Maliki were assigned beds at the Astor Hostel on 1 August 2025. Despite the victim’s clear refusals, Al-Maliki forced himself on her first in the communal lounge and later in her bed, disregarding her protests and concerns about the hostel’s rules.
The woman did not report the assault immediately because she feared eviction from the hostel, which prohibits sharing beds. She attempted to conceal the encounter with a bed covering. The following morning, she told Al-Maliki about the assault, but he reportedly laughed at her claim of injury.
At Southwark Crown Court, Judge Christopher Hehir sentenced Al-Maliki, noting his refusal to accept no for an answer and the absence of genuine remorse. The judge also mentioned the defendant’s previous deportation and indicated that he may face deportation again after serving his sentence.
Prosecutor Jose Olivares-Chandler explained that the victim repeatedly declined Al-Maliki’s sexual advances, which he dismissed by betting that sex would happen. 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 emphasized the public interest concerns regarding his future in the country.
Originally published by UKNIP.
