A high-profile community leader in Saskatoon is on trial, accused of sexually assaulting a child.
Nowshad Ali appeared in Saskatoon’s Court of Queen’s Bench Wednesday. He’s accused of sexually assaulting a 10-year-old girl in 2005.
Her name cannot be released to protect her identity, but she and Ali are known to each other.
The complainant, who is now 21, testified behind a screen and clutched a stuffed animal. She told court Ali touched her inappropriately on two separate occasions. She cried at times, recounting the alleged sexual assault.
She said she was in shock and didn’t know what was happening. She refrained from saying anything at the time, but eventually told her mother.
Ali, a businessman who is known for his work organizing popular events in Saskatoon, pleaded not guilty and denies ever touching her inappropriately.
His lawyer argued the complainant’s testimony was inconsistent.
The complainant told court the two incidents happened in the same place, but her mother testified her daughter told her the incidents happened in two different locations.
Closing arguments are expected Thursday morning.
