Arabic version: أصوات الضحايا تخشى بعد أن تجنب المغتصبون عقوبة السجن

A girl whose teenage rapists were spared custody has told the BBC she wants “freedom” from fear. She and her parents spoke anonymously to BBC Newsnight presenter Victoria Derbyshire.

“I just want to be able to go for a walk without being scared that I’m going to see them,” the girl said of her attackers, whose sentences are to be reviewed. Her father said the boys who raped her should have custodial sentences, as the attack will have a “lifelong impact” on his daughter.

Two boys, then aged 14, were convicted of rape, while a third, then 13, was found guilty of rape by aiding and abetting the attack. Their sentences are being referred to the Court of Appeal, after an outcry when they were given youth rehabilitation orders. According to BBC News, there is significant concern regarding the adequacy of the boys’ punishment, which consisted of youth rehabilitation orders.

The case has sparked discussions about the justice system’s handling of sexual offenses and the protection of victims’ rights.