Mohamed Elhasha sentenced to over 8 years for sexual violence in Sciacca

The Palermo Court of Appeal has upheld an eight-year and four-month prison sentence for 28-year-old Mohamed Elhasha for two counts of sexual violence committed in Sciacca.

According to the prosecution, Elhasha, who worked in the fishing industry, entered an apartment in Piazza Carmine where two Colombian women were working as escorts, with the intent to obtain sexual services without payment. The court found that Elhasha assaulted and manhandled one woman while demanding sexual acts without compensation. He was also charged with attempted sexual violence against the second woman, who resisted the attempt, causing the defendant to flee.

Defense counsel had requested an acquittal, arguing that the encounters were consensual and that the incident involving the second woman was merely a verbal altercation. However, the appellate court confirmed the original verdict. The investigations into the 2020 incidents were conducted by the Sciacca police department, and one of the victims participated in the proceedings as a civil party.