The high-profile case of the rape of a 14-year-old girl by three teenagers continues in the Volovetsk District Court of Zakarpattia Oblast. Despite a significant public outcry, the final court debates have been postponed again.
What happened this time?
The legal company "Miller", which represents the interests of the victim, reported another attempt to delay the process by the defense of the accused.
On December 26, during the hearing, the defense filed a motion to dismiss the presiding judge, but the court rejected it. At the same time, the mother of one of the accused reported her hospitalization, although no evidence of this was presented. Another mother stated during the hearing that she was not feeling well, which was the reason for the postponement of the debate to January 10, 2025.
Background of the case
The crime that shocked Ukraine took place on August 24, 2021 in the village of Verkhni Vorota. Three minor boys sexually assaulted a girl, recorded it on video and posted it on the Internet. Initially, the court sentenced the accused to five years of imprisonment, but later the term was reduced to two years of probation. This decision caused a wave of indignation among the public.
Why is the community outraged?
- Mild punishment . The accused were not imprisoned because of their minor age.
- Behavior after dismissal . After being released, the teenagers did not comply with the conditions of house arrest, publicly insulted the victim and created threatening conditions for her.
- Wealthy families . In the village, it is noted that the families of the accused are quite wealthy, which gives rise to suspicions of attempts to avoid a just punishment.
On January 10, the final debate will take place, after which each of the accused will have the opportunity to deliver the last word. After that, the court will make a final decision. The public expects a fair verdict, which will serve as an example of the fact that serious crimes do not go unpunished.
