Austrian Court Acquits Teenager in High-Profile Sexual Abuse Case

A 17-year-old Syrian was acquitted of charges related to the alleged months-long abuse of a 12-year-old girl, sparking criticism over the court's handling of evidence and victim support.

The case involved allegations that a 12-year-old girl, nicknamed 'Mia' for her protection, was sexually abused by a group of up to 19 youths between February and June 2023 in Vienna.
The 17-year-old defendant, believed to be a key figure in the case, was acquitted after the court ruled there was insufficient evidence to prove violence or lack of consent.
The court accepted the defendant's claim that he thought the girl was 14 and that their interactions were consensual, despite the victim's statements to the contrary and evidence of coercion.
The victim, now 13, has reportedly suffered significant emotional distress, requiring a change of residence and school, though a court-appointed psychologist did not diagnose her with PTSD.
Criticism arose over a gesture in court where the defendant offered 100 euros as symbolic compensation, which the victim's family and legal representatives called deeply insulting.