(ANSA) - ROME, FEB 20 - A preliminary investigations judge at
Naples juvenile court on Tuesday upheld a prosecution request
and ordered seven minors involved in the gang rape of two
cousins aged 10 and 12 in Caivano last July to be sent straight
to trial in a so-called 'immediate' procedure that skips the
preliminary hearing stage.
The boys face charges of aggravated abuse and in some cases also
of conspiracy in producing child pornographic material of the
abuse with one of the two adult teens also facing trial for the
same events.
The trial hearing has been set for March 28.
The defendants' lawyers now have up to 15 days to instead
request a so-called 'abbreviated' trial procedure involving only
the preliminary hearing or a plea bargain.
The gang rape in the Camorra-infested town of Caivano near
Naples shocked the nation and led to a government crackdown on
juvenile crime. (ANSA).
Judge orders direct trial for 7 minors in Caivano rape case
Hearing set for March 28