The Public ministry requested precautionary measure against two adolescents accused of sexually abusing two girls within a non-profit association (ASFL) and whose alleged perpetrators are serving preventive detention under charges of negligence.
According to a statement, the 14- and 16-year-olds, who were recently transferred to a ASFL from the eastern region of the country, are in the custody of the Public ministry by authorization of Judge Félix Manuel Reyes Vásquez, of the Criminal Chamber of the Court of First Instance of the Judicial District of Monte Plata, a body that acted as the Court of Instruction for Children and Adolescents (NNA).
The prosecution body explained, in a press release, that the adolescents are charged with violation of articles 331 of the Dominican Penal Code and 12, 15 and 396 of Law 136-03, which creates the Code for the System of Protection and Fundamental Rights of Children and Adolescents.
The acts allegedly were committed in the Home Hope Projectwhose directors, Rossana Andujar Santana and Franchesco Padovani, of Italian nationality, are serving three months in pre-trial detention on charges of negligence in handling the ASFL in which they served as coordinator and manager.
The Public ministry accuses those responsible for the home of failing in their role as protectors of the rights of the group of minors under their care, in violation of article 351-2 of the Dominican Penal Code, modified by Law 24-97, and articles 12 , 14 and 396 of Law 136-03.