The last months we’ve been back to Sweden a couple of times, for extended examinations, confrontations (with one way mirror and all) and the actual trial. The ruling came this Friday and given the punishment that rapists and violent individuals usually receive here in Denmark, it was actually harder than I had ever allowed myself to hope for.
As all the attackers where under 18, all time will be served in locked juvenile institutions, but that also means that no early parole is possible.
The 17 year old who tried to rape my friend where found guilty of “Grov våldtäkt” which is rape, more serious than usually as there where violence and robbery included. In Sweden it is apparently possible to be convicted for rape, in a case that would only have been attempted rape here in Denmark. He received 2 years and 9 months.
One Polish guy who claimed he didn’t understand what was going on as he didn’t understand any Swedish where let go with no further punishment (he had already spend 2 months in containment).
One guy got 8 months time for robbery and theft.
The last 5 got 1 years time for violence, theft and robbery.
Ofcouse there is still the chance that they might appeal and we have to go through a new trial, but I hope not.
Now after a few months, we are both a lot better – we both get a bit uneasy when we see groups of young males but it’s certainly not as bad as right afterwards.
blinx, thank you so much for letting us know about the upshot of all this. I’m truly happy to hear that the major offenders have all received solid prison sentences. I’m especially glad to see that the most violent perpetrator who assaulted your friend is getting years and a serious crime conviction attached to their adult criminal record. What you went through was wrong in so many different ways, I almost lose count of them.
Most of all, please go forth into this world with the confidence that criminals pay for their misdeeds. The law is a vital barrier between you and those who would do harm. I hope that eventually, this protection will restore your sense of safety. Your original article made my blood boil and it’s good to see that these criminals will get a solid chance to reflect upon their misdeeds.
Good that you got some conclusion. I haven’t read the judgement but that is some very high punishment considering the youth of the guys. The court even judged harder than what the prosecutor asked for. But it was an awful crime so I the convicted don’t appeal. Good to hear that you are recovering.
I’m glad they got caught, and since I just read the story, I hope you don’t still feel like you let your friend down by not being able to be there. It wasn’t your fault, nor your friends, and I’m really sorry it happened.
Wow… that sure is a long time - I heard that in Sweden the rapist would have gotten 3.6 years if he had been over 18.
I tried to dig up the average time given for rape in Denmark, but only found numbers from 1994 where the average where 16 months.
To compare a bit, the longest time limited sentence you can receive here is 16 years, and average parole time is after serving 2/3th of the time.
If you are judged to life in prison, the average served is 16 years and 9 months - and that number is inflated by one person who served 33 years for killing 4 cops. With him removed from the stats, the average is 15.4 years.
I can’t for my life understand why we are so soft on rapists - I’m having a hard time thinking about a more disgusting crime except for murder.
I remember your original post on this and how awful it was for you both. I’m glad that at least you have some resolution and are feeling better. Good wishes for your continued healing.
Wow, blinx. Glad to hear that they are being put away and having to pay for what they did.
I can’t imagine having gone through what you have been through.
Stay strong and sane.
I remember your original thread, too, blinx, and I’m so glad for you both that these guys have been dealt with by the law. I hope you will now be able to move on and get on with your life!