Three minors assaulted by adult men on Pärnu's Lai Street
Three teenagers aged 15–16 fell victim to an assault by adult men overnight in Pärnu. One of the victims sustained serious injuries and required medical assistance. Police have launched a criminal investigation.
Three minors assaulted by adult men on Pärnu's Lai Street
On the evening of 30 June at approximately 11 p.m., three intoxicated men aged 20–30 assaulted three teenagers aged 15–16 who were walking home on foot at the beginning of Lai Street in Pärnu. One of them was severely beaten, including suffering a concussion, and required medical assistance, according to Pärnu Postimees.
The attackers targeted the victims because of their alternative appearance – the young people were dressed in punk style. The teenager who was hurt most severely had his ear piercings forcibly torn from his ears. According to the victims, the aggressors attempted to "change his identity on the spot". The attackers also filmed the assault as it took place.
The young people eventually managed to escape the situation. The victims and their families identified the suspects, who were previously known to them.
According to local parents, this is not the first such incident in the area. In many cases, victims have not reported matters to the police due to fears of retaliation and having to confront the perpetrators in court. One incident reported from the previous summer remains unsolved. Some parents have criticised the inaction of local police.
Pärnu young people have been offered self-defence courses under the guidance of a well-known local instructor to prevent similar incidents from recurring. Police have launched a criminal investigation.
Source: ERR News