One of the founders of the Women and Men Against Child Abuse organisation, Miranda Friedmann, has expressed disappointment over the postponement of a child sex syndicate case, which has now been moved to 10 February.
Sentencing was due to take place on 8 December at the Alexandra Magistrates’ Court for a local suspect allegedly linked to the sex syndicate which was exposed in an investigation known as Operation Cloud 9.
“This was despite assurance from court officials that sentencing would definitely take place on 8 December,” said Friedmann.
“How long is it going to take for authorities to treat the viewing, possession and distribution of child sexual abuse material as very serious crimes of incitement of the rape of children – these are not victimless crimes – they are very serious human rights violations against all children.
“While the accused has pleaded guilty to viewing, possessing and distributing child sexual abuse material, he walked free today to enjoy Christmas with friends and family. We witnessed petty thieves being held in custody and ordered back to the holding cells.”
Operation Cloud 9 is said to have seen more than 100 suspects identified around the world since the arrest of the 39-year-old Midrand man who had links to other alleged syndicates in Belgium, USA, Pakistan, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Sweden, the Czech Republic, France, UK, Canada, Algeria, Israel, Bolivia, Mexico, Austria, Brazil, Russia, Denmark, Ireland and Croatia.
Meanwhile, a case of an Alexandra taxi driver who was caught sexually molesting a 10-year-old child in his vehicle by Metro police last month has been postponed to 26 January pending DNA results. The accused was remanded in custody.
Friedmann urged the public to join them in picketing outside the court when the sex syndicate case resumes on 10 February to demand maximum penalties be imposed on the offenders.
Details: Miranda Friedmann 083 250 6821.
