Austria: Four Charged in Gang Rape at Linz Train Station

This week, a 16-year-old girl was reportedly gang-raped near the train station in Linz, Austria. Four teenage suspects are in custody, three Afghans and one Iranian.

The below article from the Austrian daily, Kronen Zeitung, is translated by Fousesquawk. 

https://www.krone.at/2670999

April 1, 2022-17:01

“I haven’t done anything”

Girl raped: Fourth suspect in custody

Caption beneath photo: Linz train station

Now all are under arrest. Two days after the group rape at the Linz train station, the 4th and final suspect has surrendered. The 15-year-old Afghan went to the police in Vöcklabruck. The other three suspects were transferred to the Linz prison Friday night. One was silent as to the accusation, the other three claim it was “consensual” sexual acts. According to the public prosecutor, the victim’s charges against the boys will be massive. From the FPÖ (Freedom Party of Austria), they are “speechless” and “deeply affected”, the Green (party) condemns the “disgusting act” and demands a “harsh punishment with no ifs and buts”.  

Four youths reportedly attacked the 16-year-old German near the Linz train station. Officers from the Alien Police became aware and intervened. The perpetrators fled. A bit later, three boys-two 15-year-old Afghans and a 14-year-old Iranian- were arrested. The (police) were already hot on the heels of the fourth perpetrator when he turned himself in! He admitted that he was the boy that the police were looking for, but that he “did nothing wrong”.

Suspects all known to authorities

The three other arrestees were delivered to the Linz prison  Friday night. The Linz Prosecutor’s Office has requested pre-trial custody for them, (and) the court should decide Friday or Saturday. With young people, it is a bit more complicated, trustworthy people and translators are needed, according to the spokeswoman of the Prosecutor’s Office, Ukrike Breiteneder. None of the three have criminal records, but are already known to authorities – for “small crimes”, it was said.

One of the boys invoked his right to silence, explained Breiteneder, the other two claimed it was consensual sexual acts. The boys, however, have been clearly accused by the victim. It is reportedly “far from an attempt”, rather it involves “repeated, completed acts by different perpetrators” she clearly states. It is still uncertain how the crime took place and if the perpetrators and victims were acquainted.

Facing up to 7-1/2 years in prison

 The sentencing range in case of a rape conviction for young people is up to 5 years. If the act results in a serious bodily injury- for example, in the form of a post-traumatic stress disorder-up to 7-1/2 years. For adults, the punishment range is twice as high. 

“Speechless and deeply affected”

The FPÖ security speaker for Upper Austria, Sabine Engleitner-Neu was “speechless and deeply affected”. She took the act as an opportunity to call for preventive measures: “Who are the perpetrators? Were there warning signs? How can such crimes be prevented in the future?- These questions demand quick answers”, says Engleitner-Neu. More financial resources are needed for measures to protect against violence. 

The Green Party women’s spokesperson in the regional government, Dagmar Engl, warned against politically exploiting, “this disgusting act”. “The perpetrators should be severely punished with no ifs and buts. This act is also at the expense of efforts in integration. It hurts all the refugees from crisis countries who behave themselves in an orderly and law-abiding manner.” Deputy Governor Manfred Heimbuchner (FPO) had already made it clear Thursday that he is not prepared to keep these dangerous people here or feed them at taxpayers’ expense.