A 61-year-old Bosnian man has been sentenced to 14 years in prison for severe sexual offenses against seven relatives, mostly minors. His abusive behavior lasted 26 years, affecting victims who struggled to report their experiences. One victim revealed suffering from PTSD and related disorders due to the abuse. Despite defense claims of conspiracy, the jury found the defendant guilty. He must also pay €38,040 in damages, while the prosecution sought additional compensation for therapy costs.
Severe Sentencing for Sexual Abuse in Klagenfurt
A 61-year-old man originally from Bosnia has been sentenced to 14 years in prison by the Regional Court of Klagenfurt due to grave sexual offenses. He faced accusations of sexually assaulting seven relatives, predominantly underage nieces and grandnieces. The court found him guilty in one instance, while the other six cases are set to be revisited.
Long-Term Impact on Victims
The defendant’s abusive actions spanned 26 years, taking place both in Carinthia and at his residence in Bosnia. Many victims attempted to disclose their experiences to their parents during their childhood, but their allegations were not taken seriously. One victim shared her ordeal in court, revealing that she has been suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a result of the abuse. As a key part of the trial, the court sought an expert evaluation of her condition.
The expert confirmed the presence of PTSD, which prompted the court to extend the prison term for the defendant to a range of five to 15 years. The victim also developed a panic disorder, requiring temporary medication. To this day, she endures flashbacks and nightmares related to the traumatic events, which contributed to an eating disorder and self-harming tendencies during her adolescence.
Prosecutor Daniela Matschnig highlighted the familial pressure that kept the victim in contact with the defendant, stating, “What was the child supposed to do when going to the uncle with the parents? Left alone at home, her parents probably wouldn’t have allowed it.”
Despite defense arguments suggesting that the testimonies were part of a conspiracy, the jury found the defendant guilty. The prosecution demanded €37,000 in damages for the victims, alongside €1,040 to cover psychotherapy costs.
Defense attorney Oliver Lorber called for the jurors to consider both sides of the story, claiming that the accusations stemmed from family disputes. He contended that the relationships between the defendant and the victims were normal until the day of the report. The jury ultimately ruled against the defendant, imposing a 14-year prison sentence along with a payment of €38,040 in damages. Judge Gernot Kugi remarked on the defendant’s “exceptionally high degree of guilt,” which, fortunately for him, kept him from receiving the maximum penalty due to his previously clean record. Following the verdict, the defense filed an appeal and a motion for annulment, while the prosecution opted not to comment.
SERVICE: If you or someone you know has been affected by sexual violence, support is available. Reach out to local counseling centers dedicated to assisting victims of sexual abuse.