Two Afghan nationals seeking asylum in the UK have stood before a judge, formally denying charges related to the horrific abduction and rape of a young girl in a typically tranquil Warwickshire town.
The accused men, Mohammad Amini, 21, and Rassoulullah Mhtesham, 23, appeared at Warwick Crown Court via video link from HMP Birmingham. The charges stem from a deeply disturbing incident that has sent shockwaves through the local community of Stratford-upon-Avon.
Courtroom Proceedings and the Charges
During the short hearing, the charges were formally put to the defendants. Both men are jointly accused of abducting a child under the age of 16 and the rape of a girl aged just 12 years old on Sunday, August 18th.
Mohammad Amini faces an additional, separate charge of rape against the same victim. When asked to enter a plea for all charges, both defendants spoke only to confirm their names and dates of birth before replying 'not guilty' to each accusation.
Judicial Orders and Next Steps
The case is being presided over by High Court Judge Mr. Justice Wall. In a move to protect the identity of the child victim, he immediately imposed a lifetime restraining order against both defendants.
This order strictly prohibits Amini and Mhtesham from ever attempting to contact or approach the young girl. Justice Wall also reinforced a standard statutory order, making it a criminal offence to publicly identify the victim.
The trial, which is estimated to last up to seven days, has been scheduled to begin on June 2, 2025. Both defendants were remanded into custody until their next appearance, a preliminary hearing set for May 9, 2025.
