Suspect in Fitzrovia murder urged to surrender 17 years after fleeing to Yemen
The father of a woman raped and killed almost two decades ago is urging the main suspect to surrender after fleeing the UK for the Middle East. Police believe Farouk Abdulhak murdered 23-year-old Martine Vik Magnussen following a night out with friends at Soho members' club Maddox on March 14, 2008.
The Norwegian student's body was found amongst rubble in the basement of a property on Great Portland Street, Westminster, two days later. A post-mortem revealed she had been sexually assaulted and died from compression to the neck.
Abdulhak, who was spotted on the club's CCTV with Martine, fled to Egypt hours after her death. He then continued on to Yemen, where it is thought he still lives.
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Martine's father Odd Petter Magnussen made the public appeal for his return in the hopes of finally giving his daughter peace. He said: "On March 8, International Women's Day, I was once again painfully reminded that my daughter, Martine Vik Magnussen, was brutally raped and murdered in London in 2008.
'For 17 years, justice has been denied as Farouk Abdulhak remains a free man in Yemen. Violence against women and girls is a crisis that affects families worldwide and Martine's case is a stark reminder that justice delayed is justice denied.
'Martine's voice was silenced, but we must not be silent for her.'
Detectives have also released an up to date image of him as part of the investigation into Farouk's whereabouts. The photo shows an older Farouk with glasses, a beard and short black hair.
Speaking directly to his suspect, detective inspector Jim Barry, of The Met's Specialist Crime Command, said: "You have been running and hiding for 17 years. You participated in a BBC documentary, providing your explanation as to what happened.
"It is time to grow up and face your responsibilities to Martine and her family. Come to the UK now and explain all to a court and jury. Our pursuit of you will not stop.'
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