Sweden child abuse trial: Father claims he never hit kids in Sweden BY QISHIN TARIQ STOCKHOLM: The Malaysian father on trial in Sweden for hitting his children told the court here that he only hit his children when the family was living in South Africa and Malaysia. Azizul Raheem Awalluddin claimed he used to beat his children before moving to Sweden, contradicting what he told local police in a previous interview. Prosecutor Anna Arnell pointed out that Azizul admitted that he hit his children to discipline them, even after the police clarified they were only asking within the context of when the family was living in Sweden. Azizul replied that he had misunderstood the polices question as he was nervous. It was my first time being interrogated by the police. I was so nervous my brain didnt work, and I thought the question meant if I had ever hit them throughout their whole life, he told the Solna district court on Monday. Sweden has outlawed corporal punishment since 1979, meaning Azizul and his wife Shalwati Nurshal face up to six years prison if found guilty of hitting their children. Arnell listed dozens of alleged incidents of hitting brought up by the Malaysians four children earlier in the trial, then asked Azizul if all the offences occurred outside Sweden. Yes, replied Azizul tersely. He clarified that in Sweden he was less strict, only hitting tables or shouting to get his childrens attention. When asked why Azizul himself arranged another interview with the police, after already being interrogated five times before (some without a lawyer present), Azizul said he had to clarify some mistakes. Going over the interview transcripts with my lawyer, it seems some of my answers were misconstrued, said Azizul. How could things go so wrong, asked the prosecutor icily. Azizul mentioned the example he gave the police where a Muslim parent could beat his children if they did not pray. I would never do that. If they miss prayers, I have them pray with me, said Azizul. Shalwati was seen nodding in agreement. Azizuls lawyer Jonas Tamm asked his client to describe the character of Ammar, the eldest son who had reported to the school counsellor that his parents beat him. Ammar likes to be the centre of attention. To take part in a conversation, hell act like a know-it-all and even make up things sometimes, said Azizul. When asked why he no longer beat his kids once in Sweden, Azizul said that was because his four children were more grown-up and manageable compared to when they were in South Africa. The trial continues March 5, with Shalwati expected to give her defence.
Posted on: Tue, 04 Mar 2014 11:20:06 +0000
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