A Syrian father was sentenced to 17 years in prison for attempting to kill his infant daughter.
A Syrian father was sentenced to 17 years in prison in Vienna after being convicted of attempting to kill his infant daughter by shaking her violently, causing her severe brain bleeding, internal injuries, and permanent disabilities.
The criminal court held a session without a jury, during which the judges listened to the arguments of the prosecution and defense, although the father and mother did not make any statements during the session. The court confirmed that the infant suffered from shaken baby syndrome, a known medical condition that resulted in devastating consequences for her life.
The child's injuries include near-total loss of vision, reliance on a feeding tube, and severe motor paralysis that will last her lifetime, which formed the legal basis for the father's conviction for attempted murder. It was also revealed that the mother was aware of the abuse and did not intervene, leading to her conviction for contributing to serious bodily harm and failing to prevent the crime, and she was sentenced to five years in prison.
The public prosecution demanded a financial compensation of 150,000 euros for the child to cover the impact of lifelong injuries. The court confirmed both rulings, rejecting the mother's appeal and upholding the father's sentence without modification.
With the ruling issued today, the judgments have become final and non-appealable, ensuring that both parents face the consequences of their actions in this tragic case.