In a significant verdict, a popular jury in Paraná, Entre Ríos, ruled guilty two police officers for their involvement in the sexual abuse of two adolescents. The incident occurred over seven years ago, on July 5, 2016, at a provincial shelter where the victims, aged 13 and 15, were staying. The jury's decision followed six days of deliberation, culminating in a ruling that will lead to the sentencing phase set to take place on February 20, 2024, when a judge will confirm the penalties.

Samuel Enrique Morel and Ezequiel Alejandro García, the convicted officers, now await their sentencing in preventive detention, having been found culpable of serious charges that highlight systemic issues within law enforcement and the safeguarding of at-risk youth in Argentine society. The length of time it took for justice to be served reflects the challenges faced by victims and the judicial system in handling such sensitive and impactful cases. The outcome is seen as a critical step towards accountability for police misconduct in Argentina.

This conviction also raises broader questions about sexual abuse in places of protection and the role that institutions play in safeguarding vulnerable populations. As the community processes this ruling, there is hope that it will not only bring closure to the victims but also instigate necessary reforms to prevent such abuses from occurring in the future.