The debates were closed for deliberations; After deliberations in accordance with the law, the court made the decision in following terms: THE COURT Whereas, according to the interrogation statement No… dated 04 July 2018, Mr…. was brought before this Court, in any event before the prescription of the criminal action, on allegations to have attempted to commit in PikineGuediawaye in 2019, acts of sexual penetration on…., a minor of less than 16 years old using violence, coercion, threat; in addition with no fraud and violence, abducted the said minor from her parental authority; Offences provided for and punished by articles 364, 366 and 368 of the Penal Code; ON MERITS On the criminal action Whereas during interrogation of the suspect, the latter denied the alleged facts; Whereas the public prosecutor applied for the suspect to be sentenced to 3 years of imprisonment; Whereas in light of the court records and the debates during hearing there is still doubt on conviction of the accused for the offences of attempt of rape and pedophilia; it is appropriate to pronounce his acquittal for these offences; While however, the court is satisfied that the accused committed the abduction of a minor; it is appropriate to declare him guilty and sentence him to 2 years of imprisonment with suspended sentence; On Civil damages Whereas the child the claimant of civil damages did not neither appear nor was represented at the hearing, the Court reserves its pronouncement on civil damages; FOR THESE REASONS Ruling publicly in the presence of parties in correctional matters at first instance;   Declares acquittal of accused for the attempt of rape and pedophilia; Declares the accused guilty for abduction of the minor;

Select target paragraph3