The Czech Justice Ministry is under intense scrutiny as it reviews a case involving the serial rape of a girl, where the perpetrator received a suspended sentence. The decision has sparked public outrage, leading to protests and calls for accountability from advocacy groups, including Konsent and Amnesty International.

The controversy centers on the Brno Regional Court’s justification for the light sentence, citing a lack of serious consequences for the victim. However, Member of Parliament Barbora Urbanova highlighted the girl’s multiple suicide attempts, challenging the court’s rationale. Urbanova has appealed to Justice Minister Pavel Blazek, urging him to investigate the procedure followed by the court and address the concerning verdict.

The Prosecutor General’s Office has also entered the fray, requesting the verdict for consideration of a possible appeal. The original sentence, handed down by a district court, sentenced the girl’s stepfather to three years in prison for rape and child pornography possession. However, the appeals court reduced the sentence to a suspended one, arguing that the repeated rapes had not caused “substantial negative impact” on the victim, as per an expert’s opinion.

The severity of the case is underscored by the perpetrator’s actions, including filming the underage victim during the assaults, engaging in blackmail, and subjecting her to sexual violence up to five times a week for two years. The victim, currently hospitalized in a psychiatric ward after a suicide attempt, continues to grapple with psychological problems.

Justice Minister Pavel Blazek has pledged to thoroughly examine the case after receiving the file, assessing whether any legal violations occurred, and potentially filing a complaint with the Supreme Court. NGOs, including Pod Svicnem (“Under the candlelight”), are actively supporting the victim, arranging accommodation and legal assistance while preparing a fundraising campaign.

In response to the controversial verdict, demonstrations have been planned in front of the Ministry of Justice, with Konsent and Amnesty International leading the call for justice. Meanwhile, Supreme Court vice-chair Petr Suk defended the Czech court system, asserting that it does not downplay sexual crimes and aligns with the approach in other European countries. The case has ignited a broader conversation about the social perception of sexual violence in the Czech Republic, prompting discussions about revising the definition of rape in criminal legislation.

Article by Prague Forum