Feb 16 • 09:56 UTC 🇱🇻 Latvia LSM

A man is detained in connection with a 12-year-old girl's pregnancy in Vidzeme; he is subjected to pre-trial detention

A 12-year-old girl in Vidzeme, Latvia, has been discovered to be pregnant, leading to the detention of a 20-year-old man on charges related to sexual offenses.

On February 11, 2023, a medical institution reported that a girl born in 2013 came in complaining of abdominal pain, where it was discovered that she was pregnant. This alarming revelation prompted the Vidzeme regional police's Criminal Police department to initiate a criminal case concerning acts against morality and sexual inviolability. In response to the investigation, on the weekend of February 14, a 20-year-old man was detained, and on February 16, a court ordered his pre-trial detention.

The authorities are currently pursuing the investigation, emphasizing that no individual is considered guilty until proven otherwise in accordance with the law. The police have not provided additional details regarding the investigation’s progress, indicating that this is an ongoing matter requiring sensitive handling. This incident underscores the serious nature of sexual offenses and the exploitation of minors, raising significant community concerns regarding child protection.

Doctors in Vidzeme confirmed the girl had been sexually abused and that her pregnancy is already at an advanced stage. The girl’s family has reportedly not been informed of her condition, which raises additional ethical questions about parental involvement and awareness in cases of such severe nature. This situation calls for a broader dialogue around the support systems in place for vulnerable children and their families, as well as legal frameworks that can help prevent similar incidents in the future.

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