Macedonia A Bitola Citizen Charged with a Statutory Rape of Two Underage Girls

January 1, 2004

Comment: The article addresses the phenomenon that has reached alarming proportions in Macedonia indicating children have fallen victims of sexual exploitation and abuse. Particularly alarming the fact that the age of the abused children is being constantly reduced.

This article might have a positive effect on parents who frequently, due to the load of their obligations, forget their parental duties and leave the children to take care of themselves. Thus the article is raising the awareness of parents and remind them that they are responsible for their children and their education in general.

On the other hand, the article demonstrates that the relevant state actors conscientiously carry out their professional duties in time, especially when dealing with child abuse. The article indicates that the police charged the perpetrator immediately after the case happened.

(This Press review is under the framework of EIDHR funded project, implemented jointly with La Strada OG, Macedonia)