
Tirana, 12 July 2019 – CRCA / ECPAT Albania, through this public statement seeks to inform not only public opinion, but also law enforcement agencies that it is unforgivable and intolerable that a pedophile has been let free while no measures were taken to protect an 11-year-old girl who survived the violence and sexual harassment of her teacher.
The most recent case reported to the National Center for the Protection of Children and Youth from Sexual Violence, the newest CRCA / ECPAT Albania service, concerns the sexual abuse of a minor girl by her teacher in a public school. According to the information we have received, sexual violence has lasted for at least 3 years, while according to her family the teacher appears to have had no checks on his predator behavior from any authority.
While after being reporting to the police, the teacher was suspended from his work, but inexplicably, despite the fact that sexual violence against children is a serious crime and poses a high risk, the Court set him free until the trial begin, providing thus with more opportunities to sexually abuse other children.
Moreover, the decision of the Gjirokastra Judicial District Court was not appealed by the Prosecutor’s Office either, putting the girl’s safety, rights and life at risk. From the communications we have had with her family and other professionals, it seems that the child protection system did not provide any of the required services by law, leaving the victims of the crime without any psycho-social services for over a year!
CRCA/ECPAT Albania calls on all institutions to take immediate steps to investigate all those responsible for this frightening failure and to immediately fulfill the obligations arising from the Law on the Rights and Protection of Children in Albania. Meanwhile, CRCA/ECPAT Albania will seek immediate investigation of the Judge who and the Prosecutor by the High Judicial Council and the High Prosecutorial Council.
While the National Center for the Protection of Children and Youth from Sexual Violence is working closely with the Order of the Psychologist in Albania and the National Child Helpline -ALO 116 111 to provide immediate psychological support to the girl and the family. her.
It is the duty of the Albanian Parliament, Government and the Municipalities to protect every child from violence, abuse and exploitation.
We demand action, not just words!
For more information, contact:
CRCA / ECPAT Albania at info@crca.al