DUBAI: The Sharjah Public Prosecution is investigating the claims of an Ethiopian housemaid that her employer's son allegedly raped her when she was praying fajr (morning prayers). The housemaid claimed that her employers then imprisoned her in the house but she managed to escape a few days later with the help of her consulate.

Sources in Sharjah Police confirmed to Arab News that the son, aged 24, has been arrested on suspicion of rape but has not been officially charged as the Public Prosecution is still investigating the case. The sources added that the maid, whose age on her passport is 26 but is actually 17 years, had filed the complaint at Al Heera Police Station against her alleged attacker who is a bidoun. She has been referred to Dubai's Women and Children Foundation for rehabilitation, the sources said.

The sources added that on the day of the alleged rape the maid, who claimed that she was a virgin, had woken up to pray fajr. While she was praying the son attacked her and overpowered her. She told the police that he was high after smoking hashish when he attacked her. The following day, the suspect's sister forced the maid to take abortion pills. The sources did not say if the sister has been charged in connection with the crime.