Accused only 16

Serial rape: First charges have now been filed

The then 12-year-old girl is said to have been sexually abused several times by boys in Favoriten (symbolic image).

(Bild: stock.adobe.com)

A first indictment has now been issued in the case of a 13-year-old girl who was allegedly sexually abused by a gang of teenagers in Vienna-Favoriten between February and June 2023. This was confirmed on Wednesday by Nina Bussek, spokesperson for the Vienna public prosecutor's office. The accused is a 16-year-old boy. 

A charge of rape and attempted sexual assault was brought against the 16-year-old at the Regional Court for Criminal Matters. The boy is said to have been part of a group that knew each other through a park in Favoriten. The Vienna public prosecutor's office has been investigating 17 suspects since last fall. The members of the gang are said to have abused Anna (name changed) over a period of months. However, the accused is not said to have been involved in the alleged gang rape. 

Traced via victim's cell phone
The 16-year-old, who comes from Syria, was identified by analyzing Anna's cell phone. Based on chats she had had with the 16-year-old and via his Instagram profile, the 16-year-old could be traced.

Sexual acts carried out
The now accused had already met the girl in a park at the beginning of 2023. In January or February - the exact date is not known - he allegedly performed sexual acts on the girl, who was only twelve years old. 

Offense of rape fulfilled
The boy was originally investigated for sexual abuse of minors, but in the end the legal assessment showed "that the actions constituted violence", said Bussek. Although it was "not serious violence", from the prosecution's point of view the offense of rape was fulfilled.

A second incident is incriminated, which is qualified in the indictment as attempted sexual assault. The 16-year-old allegedly tried to persuade Anna to perform sexual acts by threatening her that he would otherwise make images of her public. The twelve-year-old refused. The charges against the 16-year-old are not yet legally effective.

Defendant at large
The charge against the 16-year-old is not yet legally effective, confirmed the spokeswoman of the regional court, Christina Salzborn. There is therefore no trial date yet. If the indictment becomes legally binding, the 16-year-old is likely to be tried in the fall. The 16-year-old is still at large.

Donation account for Anna

Anna has been in therapy since the terrible incidents. To support her daughter during this difficult time, her mother has opened a donation account and is asking for support.

Recipient: Donation Anna

AT04 3227 5000 0031 3692

"My client is relieved that the public prosecutor's office has now brought charges against the first perpetrator and hopes that charges will also be brought against the other perpetrators soon," said the victim's lawyer, Sascha Flatz, to the "Krone" newspaper.