In a troubling turn of events, the ninth witness in the sexual harassment trial of Islamic preacher Ebit Lew has accused him of exposing his genitals during video calls. The witness, whose identity has been protected, revealed that Lew's inappropriate behaviour began in March 2021 and continued over several months, including during the holy month of Ramadan.
According to the witness, Lew first exposed himself during a video call on March 29, 2021. Despite her shock, she managed to capture a screenshot as evidence. She also mentioned another instance where Lew repeated the act in subsequent calls in April and May of the same year. Despite her husband's initial disbelief, the witness was able to convince him of the truth, especially after identifying Lew's distinctive maroon pelikat in a photo from Africa.
The witness expressed her desire to report Lew to the authorities following the incidents, but her husband discouraged her, citing their insignificance. Despite Lew's apology and brief cessation of contact, he allegedly resumed texting her on WhatsApp a few weeks later. The witness recounted how Lew continued to display inappropriate behaviour, including scolding her when she refused to send him a picture of herself.
Earlier interactions between the witness and Lew, initiated through Instagram and later WhatsApp, revealed Lew's purported dissatisfaction with his marital relationship. He allegedly confided in the witness about his wife's inability to fulfil his sexual desires. Despite the witness's disapproval of his actions, Lew allegedly persisted, even resorting to offering her material benefits, such as choosing a house from his many properties.
The witness, who is married with a child, expressed her discomfort with Lew's advances, which escalated to the point where she felt compelled to block his phone number in April due to the harassment she faced on WhatsApp and Instagram. However, Lew allegedly continued to contact her, expressing his affection and making inappropriate proposals, which she firmly rejected.
In July 2021, the witness blocked Lew's number for a second time after he persistently called her. Lew, 38, currently faces 11 charges, including outraging the modesty of a woman by sending obscene messages and images via WhatsApp between March and June 2021. If convicted under Section 509 of the Penal Code, Lew could face imprisonment of up to five years, a fine, or both.
The witness's testimony sheds light on the gravity of the allegations against Ebit Lew and underscores the importance of addressing sexual harassment and misconduct, regardless of the perpetrator's public standing or reputation.
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