Abdelmajid Akouk was found guilty last Friday of raping a former Boston University (BU) student in her dormitory in September, 1999. Suffolk Superior Court Judge James McDaniel sentenced Akouk to 40-45 years in prison after his conviction on the six charges brought against him.
After more than two days of deliberations, the jury of seven women and five men found the 33-year old South Boston resident guilty of two counts of aggravated rape, threatening, kidnapping, and home invasion. They also convicted him for indecent assault and battery against a 19-year old Emmanuel College student from a separate incident the morning after the rape.
Both the rape victim and Emmanuel College student who was groped by Akouk while walking with friends along Ipswich Street took the stand one last time during the sentencing hearing on Friday.
"I feel as if I have lived life ten times to see all the pain and hurt there is in the world," said the rape victim, who is now a sophomore at the University of Buffalo. "It's all written in my heart and in my mind. No amount of tears can wash it away."
The Emmanuel student said she was lucky compared to Akouk's other victim.
"Although I was not physically hurt by the defendant, I was violated," she said. "For what the defendant, did he should serve the maximum sentence. His actions will not be forgotten."
The prosecution, led by Assistant District Attorney Edmond Zabin, sought two consecutive life sentences for the two counts of rape, and an additional 33-40 years for the remaining offenses. Zabin cited the violent nature of the crimes and the potential for Akouk to strike again as reasons that the conviction warranted the maximum sentence.
The defense suggested that the sentences be served concurrently for a total of 20 years, citing Akouk's clean record as well as his good reputation - as evidenced in letters from his co-workers - as reasons to lessen the punishment.
Members of the BU community seemed satisfied with the jury's verdict and Akouk's sentence, and were confident that the evidence in the case clearly proved Akouk's guilt.
"We as a university are very pleased with the verdict and the outstanding job of the patrol officers, from the apprehension and arrest to the subsequent investigation that led to a successful prosecution," said BU Assistant Director of Public Relations Colin Riley. "Justice was served in this case and we commend the victim who stayed strong throughout this terrible situation."
"The evidence was clear," freshman Sunita Khosa told the BU Daily Free Press. "If he walked up to her, it's not like she was going to say 'Oh yeah, let's go back to my room and have sex.' I don't think that would happen."
