2023-04-18 18:25:00
The Ghent Court of Appeal considers that there is no causal link between the rape suffered by a 14-year-old girl in May 2021 in a Ghent cemetery and her suicide. 5 suspects were involved in this case, including 2 adults. They will therefore not be judged before the assizes and are sentenced to 18 and 30 months in prison, including three months in prison each.
The Ghent Court of Appeal did not follow the decision taken at first instance. In this judgment, there is no link established between the aggression and the suicide. Even if a handful of days separate them. Clearly: the rape is not the cause of his suicide.
“The court decided that the death of the young girl might also occur without the aggression having been committed. There is no absolute certainty, but a reasonable doubt in the causal link between the facts and the death the girl”explains Martin Minnaert, spokesman for the Ghent public prosecutor’s office.
The facts date back to 2021. At 14, the young girl had agreed to a meeting in a cemetery in Ghent. This is where she is assaulted. Facts filmed and broadcast on social networks. 4 days later, the young woman killed herself. “It is clear that the victim spoke regarding it 4 times to a friend. It is obvious that the events that took place in the cemetery decided her not to want to live any longer. My clients consider that the causal link remains although the court says something else”believes Stephen Schellinck, lawyer for the girl’s family.
2 young adults are convicted of the assault. Sentenced to 18 and 30 months in prison. They will serve 3 months firm. “On the one hand, my clients are relieved that there is a decision, an acknowledgment of guilt for the dissemination of the images. It was very important for them. On the other hand, they are disappointed that the causal link with the death is not recognized”continues the lawyer of the family of the young girl.
The authors’ lawyers did not wish to react in front of the cameras, but said they were satisfied with the judgment.
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