Minneapolis, USA (Agencies) Aug 3, 2025 — A Somali migrant convicted of abducting and raping a 12-year-old girl in Minneapolis has become the center of controversy after a local Islamic center submitted a letter of support on his behalf during sentencing proceedings.
According to court records, Qalinle Ibrahim Dirie, 42, was found guilty in May of first-degree criminal sexual conduct. The assault occurred in June 2024 when Dirie reportedly lured the girl from her backyard and raped her. The case drew widespread condemnation and led to his conviction in Hennepin County.
Following the verdict, the Al-Ihsan Islamic Center in St. Paul submitted a letter to Judge Michael Burns asking for leniency. The letter described Dirie as a “family-oriented person” who had overcome “the challenge of starting over in a new culture.” It also highlighted his volunteer work at the mosque and his financial support for relatives in Somalia.
The letter, signed by the center’s executive director, Ahmed Anshur, stated that Dirie’s actions were “a deep shock” to the community and did not reflect the man they knew. However, the document has sparked outrage among victims’ rights advocates and community members, who argue that such support undermines the gravity of the crime.
The Al-Ihsan Islamic Center has not issued further public comment. Meanwhile, Dirie remains in custody pending sentencing.