Recently, the police arrested a local man suspected of sexually assaulting a boy. The case was transferred to the Public Prosecution Office (MP) for further proceedings, and the suspect was placed under preventive detention awaiting trial.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect was responsible for managing residents at a children’s care home in the northern district of the city as a warden. In August this year, he entered the boy victim’s room multiple times during the early morning hours and touched the boy’s private parts. The boy later disclosed the incident to his mother, who then reported the case to the police with the company of the head of the children’s care home and staff from the Social Welfare Bureau (IAS). During the investigation, police also retrieved multiple video clips and photos from the suspect’s mobile phone which clandestinely recorded boys in shower at the care home, as well as some other boy pornographic materials.
The suspect was brought before the Criminal Preliminary Hearing Court for first judicial interrogation. Upon examination, the Court found strong indications that the suspect had committed the crime of “sexual assault against an institutionalized person” stipulated and penalized under paragraph 1(b) of article 160 of the Penal Code, and the crime of “intrusion into private life” stipulated and penalized under paragraphs 1(b) and (c) of article 186 of the same Code. Considering the frequency, nature and severity of the offences involved, and for preventing the risks of fleeing justice or recommitting similar crimes, the Criminal Preliminary Hearing Court adopted the coercive measure proposed by the MP by ordering preventive detention of the suspect.
Pursuant to the Criminal Procedure Code, the MP will continue to preside over subsequent investigation.
Safeguarding minor’s physical and mental health, personal dignity and safety is a shared responsibility for the whole society. The MP will resolutely and strictly combat illegal and criminal acts targeting minors. We also invite all sectors of society to jointly build a social safety net for minors. Besides, the MP urges anyone who has unfortunately experienced unlawful infringement to break silence, and to seek help from trusted individuals or the police as soon as safety allows. For members of the public who discover violation of children’s rights and interests, please report the incident to the police or to the MP immediately.