In Sicily, Italy, a 13-year-old girl was reportedly gang-raped in a public toilet while her boyfriend, 17, was forced to watch, according to police.
Seven suspects, young Egyptians aged between 15 to 19 (four adults and three minors), have been arrested in connection with the appalling attack that occurred in Villa Bellini Park in the eastern Sicilian coastal city of Catania on January 30.
The boyfriend was then beaten and reportedly held down and forced to watch while at least two of the suspects allegedly raped the 13-year-old in a public toilet.
Police say the girl and her boyfriend were eventually able to flee from the ordeal.
The victim was later able to identify two underage boys but not the other five as she stated: “I didn’t see their faces, I don’t want to accuse the innocent.”
Her boyfriend instead identified the other five suspects.
One of the seven attempted to flee the city, but was caught by police, Ansa reports.
The investigation is ongoing and the suspects will soon appear at a hearing.
Reacting to news of the crime, Italy Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said: “It strikes me that on the day in which a very young martyr of the Christian tradition is celebrated [Sant’Agata], we should see another very young victim of sexual violence.”
“I want to say this to express my solidarity with her and her family. The State will be there and justice will be done,” she added during her visit to Catania.
Deputy Prime Minister, Matteo Salvini, said: “Girl raped by a gang of seven Egyptians in front of her boyfriend, who was threatened, blocked and kept away.
“Don’t come and talk to me about ‘tolerance’ or ‘error'”.
