Rape of two 16-year-olds in Vienna – Afghan stands trial

Arrest and pretrial detention

The two 16-year-old victims received immediate medical and psychological care following the emergency call. The Vienna State Criminal Police Office took over the investigation, conducting interviews in the immediate vicinity in parallel with securing evidence. According to investigative sources, there are indications that contact between the accused and the victims was made via the Äußere Mariahilfer Straße.

The Vienna public prosecutor's office reviewed the evidence and, after completing the main investigative steps, brought charges of aggravated sexual abuse of underage minors. The Vienna Police victim protection program was activated to support the affected families and prevent further traumatic stress.

Investigations and victim protection

The accused is an Afghan citizen. Regarding his residence status in Austria and any prior convictions, police initially provided no further details, citing the ongoing proceedings. The investigations into possible accomplices or additional crime scenes are ongoing.

As the Vienna police further reported, digital evidence and possible connections to crystal meth substances that were seized are also being examined as part of the criminalistic analysis. Whether there is actually a connection to the case is the subject of ongoing investigations.

Reactions and further procedure

Victim protection organizations in Vienna expressed dismay over the incident. They pointed to the particular need for protection of the affected juveniles and once again called for consistent prosecution of sexual offenses against minors. Counseling centers such as the White Ring and the Vienna Children's and Youth Advocacy Office immediately provided assistance.

The Vienna police announced that they would continue the investigations swiftly and prepare all relevant evidence for use in court. The start of the trial before the Vienna Regional Court has not yet been set but, according to legal experts, is expected to take place in the coming weeks.

For investigative reasons, no details on the exact sequence of the crime were initially published. The police also asked for restraint in speculation, citing the principle of the presumption of innocence until a final court decision.