In Malaysia, no one is above the law. Ok, we all know some people are.
Anyway, but in Mexico, things work out a little differently because the rich and the powerful families enjoy impunity. And this outrageous ruling delivered by Judge Anuar Gonzalez perfectly illustrated the point.
In January 2015, a 17-year-old girl stood outside a club waiting for her ride when Diego Cruz and 3 other men showed up in a black Mercedes and forced her into the car, according to The Guardian.
2 men allegedly sexually assaulted her in the car and she was raped by the third guy when arriving at one of their homes. And just before being charged, the 21-year-old Cruz fled to Spain but was soon extradited to face trail in his home country.
Source: Woman In The World
Source: Proceso
However, Judge Anuar Gonzalez shockingly ruled that the young man was cleared of any wrongdoing even though Cruz has molested the girl’s breasts and vagina with his fingers.
The judgement was done on the grounds that ‘an incidental touching or fondling will not be considered sexual acts, if proof is not presented that it was done to satisfy a sexual desire‘.
In other words, if the intention wasn’t pleasure, it’s not a sexual assault.
Besides, the fact that the victim was able to made her way to the front seat of the car after pleading her attackers to stop proved that she was not ‘defenseless’, the judge ruled. Are you for real?
As no charges were brought to the perpetrators, the victim’s father started a campaign denouncing the judge. And it has garnered a lot of attention from both the public and the government.
“He sexually touched her, he vaginally penetrated her, but because he didn’t enjoy it, it’s not sexual abuse?” said Estefanía Vela Barba, a women’s rights activist.
The victim has also condemned the ridiculous ruling on Facebook saying:
“I’ve nothing to repent. I’ve gone drinking. I’ve gone to parties. I’ve worn short skirts like many girls my age, and for that I’m going to be judged? For that I deserved what had happened?”
After the issue has caused a public uproar, Mexico’s federal judiciary council has suspended Judge Anuar Gonzalez on March and may be investigated over his controversial ruling. Meanwhile, Cruz will stay in custody while the ruling is appealed.
Let’s hope that proper punishment is meted out to Cruz so that justice can be served.
Well, I’m sure all of you are thinking: If this happened in Malaysia…
Also read: Singaporean Girl Raped After Clubbing, Boyfriend Finds Her Using ‘Find My iPhone’ App
