The arrest of a British national, Douglas Robert Brook, in Namibia has sparked outrage after he was accused of sexually abusing minors and taking nude photographs of them. The 65-year-old Briton, who was on vacation, reportedly targeted young boys and girls from the indigenous San community in the Otjozondjupa region of central Namibia.
Brook is facing 38 charges, including rape, indecent assault, and child exploitation. The allegations include instances where he is accused of luring 34 young children with sweets and money to take naked photographs of them. In a statement made by local police, it was revealed that the children he allegedly exploited included 16 teenage girls and 14 boys.
The UK Foreign Office confirmed they are in contact with Namibian authorities regarding the situation. According to reports, some of the nude images of the children were discovered on Brook's camera, which was confiscated during his arrest. Following his appearance in the Grootfontein Magistrate court, he was denied bail and remanded in police custody.
Namibia's Information Minister, Emma Theofelus, stated that the foreign tourist has been a source of deep disrespect to the cultural identity of the San community. The Ministry of Environment and Tourism echoed this sentiment by condemning the actions of visitors who exploit indigenous communities and their children.
The case has been postponed to next month as the prosecutor requested additional time for investigation. Namibia, well-known for its stunning landscapes and cultural richness, has seen increasing awareness and concern over the rights and safety of its native communities in light of such incidents.
Brook is facing 38 charges, including rape, indecent assault, and child exploitation. The allegations include instances where he is accused of luring 34 young children with sweets and money to take naked photographs of them. In a statement made by local police, it was revealed that the children he allegedly exploited included 16 teenage girls and 14 boys.
The UK Foreign Office confirmed they are in contact with Namibian authorities regarding the situation. According to reports, some of the nude images of the children were discovered on Brook's camera, which was confiscated during his arrest. Following his appearance in the Grootfontein Magistrate court, he was denied bail and remanded in police custody.
Namibia's Information Minister, Emma Theofelus, stated that the foreign tourist has been a source of deep disrespect to the cultural identity of the San community. The Ministry of Environment and Tourism echoed this sentiment by condemning the actions of visitors who exploit indigenous communities and their children.
The case has been postponed to next month as the prosecutor requested additional time for investigation. Namibia, well-known for its stunning landscapes and cultural richness, has seen increasing awareness and concern over the rights and safety of its native communities in light of such incidents.
