Scandal in Volyn: coach convicted of violence against underage athletes

A court in the Volyn region has sentenced a former volleyball coach to 7 years and 6 months in prison for crimes against the sexual freedom and integrity of underage girls who trained in his club.

This was reported by the Prosecutor General’s Office.

According to the investigation, the illegal actions lasted from 2012 to 2021. The accused worked in the sports sector, was the head coach of the youth team “Volyn-University”, and also headed a children’s and youth sports school at various times.

Law enforcement officers established that the coach used his authority and official position, as well as the dependence of the underage athletes on him as a mentor. According to the prosecutor’s office, he exerted psychological pressure on the girls, threatened to expel them from the team, prevent them from participating in competitions, and effectively end their sports careers.

The prosecutor’s office notes that such actions led to long-term psychological consequences for the victims. The girls were in constant fear, subjected to moral pressure and humiliation.

The investigation into the case became possible after the victims themselves filed complaints. Later, another woman reported similar facts – at the time of the complaint, she was already an adult, but the consequences of the violence she experienced remained tangible for her.

The actions of the accused were qualified under a number of articles of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, which provide for liability for crimes against the sexual freedom of minors.

Despite the collected evidence and the victims’ testimonies, the man did not admit his guilt.

Juvenile prosecutors from the Volyn Regional and Lutsk District Prosecutor’s Offices have been presenting the charges in court for several years.

The prosecutor’s office also stated that they disagree with the verdict in terms of the imposed punishment and are preparing to appeal it, insisting on stricter liability.

As reported, in the Kharkiv region, law enforcement officers reported a man suspected of raping his 16-year-old daughter, who has intellectual disabilities.

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