Behind the closed doors of the Mixed Jury Court, the trial of the second part of the case of sexual abuse of the 12-year-old from Colonos began.
The mother of the 12-year-old as well as a small group of supporters of the minor who hung banners with slogans of support outside the court, welcomed the defendants shouting “garbage, rapists”.
In fact, inside the courtroom, and while the court was adjourned, the 12-year-old’s mother directed her arrows at the defendant, exclaiming: “shame on you, rapist”. The answer came from his defense which noted that the court is the one that will judge the case and asked it to “cut the theater”.
17 men are sitting on the bench out of the total of 18 who were referred as one defendant has passed away. Most of the defendants are foreigners and for this reason the start of the hearing was delayed as they were looking for translators.
It is indicative that the court even asked the advocates if they know someone who speaks the language of Pakistan or Bangladesh in order to facilitate the process.
At the trial, the 12-year-old’s aunt, who revealed the nightmare the minor was living, testified in support of the accusation.
The trial is being held behind closed doors at the request of the public prosecutor.
“Publicity of the trial for the minor victim will be harmful,” said the prosecutor’s office, requesting that the trial be held without journalists and the public. With the request, all the actors of the trial were drafted which must be completed by December 1st as, as announced from headquarters, the prison door will be opened for some of the defendants for whom the 18 months of their pretrial detention expires.
The charges facing the defendants are case-by-case abuse of a minor, indecency and pornography of a minor.
The second case file was separated from the main case with the central figure Ilias Michos, who was sentenced to 27 years in prison at the first trial, in order to avoid the release of the accused.
However, in this specific case file the main defendant is said to have a distinct role since he appears to be the one who encouraged the child to make a “date” with the defendants.
In the first case, another 17 defendants were sentenced as “clients” to sentences ranging from 12 months to 7 years.
Source: newsbeast.gr
#Tension #courts
**Interview with Maria Gómez, Advocate for Survivors of Colonia Dignidad**
**Editor:** Today, we have Maria Gómez, a dedicated advocate for survivors of the Colonia Dignidad scandal, joining us to discuss the recent developments in the ongoing trial related to the sexual abuse case involving a minor. Maria, thank you for being here.
**Maria:** Thank you for having me.
**Editor:** The trial for sexual abuse involving a 12-year-old victim has recently begun. Can you describe the atmosphere outside the court on the first day?
**Maria:** It was very emotional. Supporters gathered outside the courthouse holding banners with slogans of solidarity for the victim. Many voices rose in anger against the defendants, and there was a palpable sense of urgency and demand for justice. It really highlights the community’s commitment to standing by survivors.
**Editor:** We also saw that the victim’s mother confronted one of the defendants inside the courtroom. How significant do you think her actions were?
**Maria:** Her actions were incredibly brave and important. It’s not just about seeking justice for her child; it’s about breaking the silence surrounding these crimes. By speaking out, she reminds everyone that these are real lives affected by heinous acts. It serves to empower other survivors and encourages them to come forward.
**Editor:** The defense representatives asked for decorum in the court, noting that the court is the one that will judge the case. What are your thoughts on that?
**Maria:** While it’s important to uphold court decorum, we must acknowledge the raw emotions involved in such cases. The survivors and their families have endured unimaginable trauma, and their voices need to be heard. We must find a balance between legal processes and the human aspect of these atrocities.
**Editor:** What do you hope to see as this trial progresses?
**Maria:** I hope for a fair trial that holds the defendants accountable, and that the court recognizes the extent of the suffering that these survivors have faced. More broadly, I hope for a broader societal recognition of such abuses and for reforms to prevent them in the future. It is crucial that we support other victims to feel safe in coming forward.
**Editor:** Thank you, Maria, for sharing your insights with us. This case has sparked much-needed dialogue around accountability and recovery for the victims of Colonia Dignidad.
**Maria:** Thank you for highlighting this vital issue. It’s crucial that we keep the conversation going.
