The Colombian Inspector General’s Office has rejected the appeal of a former police officer and has sentenced him to 12 years imprisonment for raping a 15-year-old at gunpoint in the central Colombian state of Boyaca, local media reported Tuesday night.The Attorney General’s Office has
He was originally found guilty on October 31 2013 in Boyaca and has now lost his final appeal.
Based on testimonial evidence and statements from close friends, the prosecution established that Buitrago took advantage of the girl by using authoritative status as a police officer and their friendship to lure the young girl into accompanying him to a motel. He then allegedly proceeded to rape her at gunpoint.
According to Caracol Radio, the court stated that the fundamental duty of police officers is to ensure the protection and preservation of human rights; this includes sexual freedom which was violated by officer Buitrago.
This is not the first time authority figures have been involved in child rape in Colombia. In 2011, a soldier was sentenced for the rape of a 13-year-old girl.
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The child was severely affected physically and psychologically and has been admitted to the Integrated Rehabilitation Clinic in Boyaca. She has been diagnosed with chronic post-traumatic stress disorder with severe depression and is currently receiving medical treatment.
The Inspector General’s office reiterated in the ruling that “public servants are united by the principle of morality and all police officers must be honest, transparent, and professional.”