Fencing: “One is on top of her, another gets dressed while a third sleeps”, three Italian athletes accused of rape of a young Uzbek fencer

Triste affaire dans le monde de l'escrime. EFE – Carlos Ortega

Une jeune escrimeuse ouzbèke de 17 ans accuse trois escrimeurs italiens de l'avoir violée lors d'un camp d'entraînement en août 2023 en Italie, rapporte dimanche le quotidien Il Messaggero.

The events allegedly took place between August 4 and 5 in Chianciano Terme, near Siena (Tuscany, center), where members of several fencing federations were staying, writes the Roman newspaper . When she wakes up, the teenager discovers three young men, members of the Italian junior team.

"One is on top of her, another is getting dressed while a third is sleeping", writes Il Messaggero. Her body in pain, unable to remember what happened, she understands that she has been gang raped. She goes to the hospital in Rome for medical examinations and files a complaint.

"Additional suffering and unacceptable humiliation"

According to the Ansa agency, traces of alcohol and drugs were found in the young girl's blood during these examinations. An investigation is still underway at the Siena public prosecutor's office. Her lawyer deplores that no measures have yet been taken against her alleged attackers, whom she may encounter during competitions.

"Additional suffering and unacceptable humiliation", protests Luciano Guidarelli. The council also accuses the Italian Fencing Federation (FIS) of inertia. and criticizes him for not having suspended the three alleged attackers.

An athlete with an extensive track record

In a press release published on Sunday, the FIS indicates having been in contact on several occasions with the public prosecutor concerned, "in respect of the secrecy of the' instruction", and with the plaintiff's lawyer, specifying that he had indicated to him his desire to become a civil party in the event of a trial.

The alleged victim, who competes under the colors of Uzbekistan but has another nationality, already has an extensive saber record and is world number one in his category, according to Il Messaggero.