Teenager Pregnant at 13 Years: 20-Year-Old Syrian Man Sentenced to Three Years in Prison for Statutory Rape

In a recent case that has sparked controversy, a 20-year-old man was sentenced to a three-year prison term for the severe sexual abuse of a 13-year-old girl. The trial took place at the district court of Werdenberg-Sarganserland.

The sexual encounter occurred on October 22, 2024, at a U-Bahn station. The defendant, who did not have a condom at the time, was traced after a report was filed due to the 13-year-old's pregnancy, which was confirmed on December 2 in a hospital.

The 13-year-old testified that she accompanied the defendant to his apartment after starting a conversation and smoking a cigarette. She stated that she went with him because he was attractive. The defendant, on the other hand, claimed that the 13-year-old told him she was 15, but she assured that she had told him her real age from the beginning.

The 13-year-old confirmed that the child is 100 percent the defendant's. She also testified that both she and the defendant wanted to have sex. The mother of the 13-year-old testified that her daughter told her about the sexual encounter the day after it happened. Initially, the mother wished for an abortion, but her daughter made a different decision.

The 13-year-old plans to keep the child and wants the defendant to be involved. This decision has been a point of contention, with some arguing that the defendant should not be allowed to be a part of the child's life due to his actions.

The court made use of an extraordinary mitigating circumstance in this case due to special circumstances. The sentence includes one year without suspension, and the rest is suspended for three years. This decision has been criticised by some, who argue that the sentence is too lenient given the nature of the crime.

It is important to note that the law provides for a prison sentence of between five and 15 years for severe sexual abuse of minors. In this case, there were no aggravating circumstances.

The verdict is not yet final, and it remains to be seen whether it will be appealed. This case highlights the complexities and challenges that arise when dealing with cases of sexual abuse of minors, particularly when the minor is pregnant as a result.