Story By: Maja Mishevksa, Sub Editor: Marija Stojkoska, Agency: Newsflash

A five-year-old girl has undergone emergency surgery after allegedly being raped by her 12-year-old neighbour whose life is “carrying on as normal” as he is too young to face criminal punishment in Bolivia.

The shocking incident took place in the neighbourhood of Villa Primero de Mayo in the city of Santa Cruz de la Sierra in the eastern Bolivian department of Santa Cruz.

According to the young victim’s mother, the girl was tricked into going round to her neighbour’s house where she was allegedly raped by the boy.

Initially, the five-year-old girl told her mum that she was bleeding because she fell down, and was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.

Doctors realised that the girl’s genitals had been badly injured and she eventually told her mum what really happened at the neighbour’s house.

According to reports, the girl had been threatened not to tell anyone what occurred.

Hospital checks confirmed that the young girl had been raped, however minors under the age of 14 cannot face criminal punishment under Bolivian law, according to local media.

Santa Cruz official Brayan Tintaya said that the suspect’s parents will pay for the victim’s medical bills and ongoing psychological treatment.

A judge who specialises in juvenile cases will also establish a therapy course for the 12-year-old boy, according to reports.

Tintaya added that the case has shocked many Bolivian citizens and that the authorities need to rethink legal measures for young offenders to avoid similar situations in the future.

The unnamed mother also asked for justice for her young daughter, adding: “The boy carries on as normal as though nothing happened in his parent’s house.”

According to local media, the victim’s relatives are organising a protest at the hospital to demand justice for the girl.

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