Turin, shopkeeper released after sexual harassment of 13-year-old: Nordio sends inspectors
A 42-year-old from Bangladesh was released after 48 hours, despite his confession and video evidence. The prosecution will appeal the decision.
Shopkeeper accused of sexual harassment of a thirteen-year-old released after 48 hours in Turin
A 42-year-old man of Bengali origin, owner of a minimarket on the outskirts of Turin, was released after just 48 hours in custody, despite being accused of forcing a thirteen-year-old girl to suffer sexual acts inside his shop. This is reported by Google News IT — Crime (it), drawing on reporting by RaiNews.
During the validation hearing, the man stated: "I made a mistake. I have never committed crimes, this is the first time it has happened and I am very sorry". In a more extended version given to magistrates, he added: "I had drunk two tequilas". The investigating judge recognised "serious evidence of guilt" against him, finding the young victim's account "logical and linear" and corroborated by images from the shop's surveillance cameras. Despite this, he ordered the man's release with only the requirement to sign in daily at the nearest police station, justifying the decision by the defendant's lack of prior convictions, his "collaborative attitude" and the "remorse" demonstrated during interrogation.
The prosecutor Paolo Cappelli had requested that the man be held in custody. The man was defended by lawyer Francesca D'Urzo. The Turin prosecution has already announced that it will appeal the decision to the Court of Review.
The incident
The thirteen-year-old had gone to the minimarket in the neighbourhood, as she usually did, to buy some fruit juices. The shopkeeper approached her, embraced her and sexually harassed her gravely. The girl rushed out of the shop and immediately called her mother. Her statement conveys the anguish she experienced: disgust, nausea, shock so severe that it prevented her even from walking.
"I couldn't move anymore, I called a friend and told him I wasn't feeling well. He arrived, took the drinks from me, helped me up and together we went for a walk to calm me down," the minor stated. The investigating judge described the account as "precise, detailed and coherent".
The surveillance cameras also documented that, a few minutes before the incident, the man had groped another customer, a woman of approximately 40 years old. It was the shopkeeper himself who provided access credentials to the video surveillance software, allowing officers to view the footage immediately on site. Police are still searching for the second victim to verify whether she intends to file a complaint.
Government response
The Ministry of Justice has ordered inspectors to be sent to the Turin Court. Minister Carlo Nordio stated: "I note that the investigating judge's decision falls within the scope of the judiciary's autonomy and independence, on which I cannot and must not interfere. Nevertheless, given the exceptional nature of the case and the public alarm it has caused, I have ordered the dispatch of inspectors to acquire every useful assessment".
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also intervened on social media: "We have written the laws, and they are more severe than ever. The law enforcement forces did their duty, in just a few hours, very well. The prosecution requested the harshest measure. The whole chain worked. And then a decision arrives that breaks it in forty-eight hours, and we cannot do anything except send ministry inspectors, which is what we are doing". Meloni added: "Who explains this to that family? Who explains this to that neighbourhood, which tonight knows that that man is back there? My total solidarity with the girl and her family".
Source: Google News IT — Crime (it)