– The incident was committed by four of her best friends. It was committed in her own home, in her own room, on her own birthday, said defense lawyer Åshild Schmidt. She asks that each of the four young women pay compensation of between NOK 200,000 and 300,000 to the victim. Prosecutor Helene Holtvedt asks that they be sentenced to community punishment of 360 hours. – It is important to signal to youth communities that such actions are not taken lightly. It is a criminal offense that is serious, said prosecutor Helene Holtvedt. The defendants deny criminal guilt, and believe that what happened at the birthday party was voluntary. Prosecutor Helene Holtvedt. Photo: Per-Kåre Sandbakk / news Doubts about the purpose For six days, the Agder district court heard the case. The public prosecutor’s office believes that the four friends should be sentenced for grossly negligent rape. The 19-year-olds are accused of rape, with a penalty of up to ten years. But the prosecution has not found it proven that the alleged rape was intentional, the prosecutor said in his procedure. – But they should have understood that it was not voluntary on the (offended) side. (…) They should clearly have understood that this is highly reprehensible, said Holtvedt. She is asking for community punishment because of the young age of the defendants and the long processing time. The public prosecutor requests that the defendants be sentenced for intentional rape. Celebrated 17th birthday The girls grew up in the same rural environment in Agder, and were best friends when they allegedly raped a fifth friend together. The rape is said to have occurred on the 17th birthday of the offended girl. The birthday party started with them eating tacos, listening to music and drinking alcohol, she explained in court. When she unwrapped the presents, she received, among other things, a Womanizer and a bottle of wine. Later in the evening, the four best friends allegedly forced her to try the sex toy, according to the prosecution. One friend allegedly fingered and performed oral sex on her, while three other friends held her by the arms and legs. – She stands alone against four former best friends. Everything that (the victim) has explained about the sexual aspect has been confirmed by the defendants, said prosecutor Helene Holtvedt in her proceedings. Assistant lawyer Åshild Schmidt. Photo: Per-Kåre Sandbakk / news Apologized The day after the birthday party, the victim sent a message to the four girlfriends. There she wrote that what had happened had gone beyond her limits. “Sorry, sorry, sorry. (…) I feel like I raped you (…), replied one of the friends. Another friend wrote: “you said no clearly and clearly”. But in court, the friends have explained that they formulated themselves in this way because they wanted to be supportive. Lawyer Lars Faye Ree is one of the defenders in the case. Photo: Per-Kåre Sandbakk / news – Freed youth Defense attorney Joakim Boye said in court that there is nothing unusual about young girls experimenting sexually with each other. – They perceived it in such a way that (offended) thought it was exciting and fun. (…) Why would they have any desire to do (offended) something bad?, said defender Joakim Boye. He believes it is wrong to portray what happened in the bedroom as “sick” or unusual. – I don’t think it’s sick or fragile for young girls to experiment. (…) It sends an unfortunate signal if you moralize around liberated youth who experiment sexually. We are not here to make a moral judgment, Boye said. Lawyer Joakim Boye is defending the young woman who allegedly carried out most of the sexual acts. Photo: Per-Kåre Sandbakk / news Waiting for the verdict The five women involved are currently students and apprentices. Everyone has expressed in court that the case is a burden. Hello! Do you have any tips in this matter? Or other matters you would like to advise on? Feel free to contact me by email. Published 21.09.2024, at 09.31 Updated 21.09.2024, at 10.33
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Gang of friends accused of rape may be sentenced to community service – news Sørlandet – Local news, TV and radio
