A Canadian man who was kidnapped while backpacking with his wife in Afghanistan faces 15 charges including sexual assault.
A Canadian man who was kidnapped while backpacking with his wife in Afghanistan has been arrested and faces at least a dozen charges including sexual assault.
Joshua Boyle, his wife Caitlan Coleman and their three children — all born in captivity — were rescued in October 2017 in Afghanistan.
The alleged offenses occurred between Oct. 14 and Dec. 30, court documents show, The Toronto Star reported.
Boyle faces charges of assault, sexual assault, unlawful confinement, uttering death threats, causing someone to “take a noxious thing, namely Trazodone,” and misleading police, according to the report.
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The family was rescued last year after being in captivity for five years.
Boyle’s wife sent a statement to The Toronto Star.
“I can’t speak about the specific charges, but I can say that ultimately it is the strain and trauma he was forced to endure for so many years and the effects that had on his mental state that is most culpable for this.
“Obviously, he is responsible for his own actions, but it is with compassion and forgiveness that I say I hope help and healing can be found for him,” she wrote. “As to the rest of us, myself and the children, we are healthy and holding up as well as we can.”
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A hearing on the case is scheduled for Wednesday in Ottawa.
A lawyer for Boyle said his client will not attend in person.
With News Wire Services
