A disturbing case of violence unfolded in Kamensk-Uralsky, Sverdlovsk Oblast, where multiple teenagers have been accused of brutally assaulting two young girls, one of whom is underage. The incident, which has raised serious concerns about youth violence and accountability, occurred on January 3, 2025, between 19:00 and midnight, at a car wash on Karl Marx Street.
The prosecutor's office reported the chilling details of the episode, stating, "On January 3, 2025, from 19:00 to 00:00, the young people, acting as a group, physically assaulted two girls, causing them pain and injury." This gang-related bullying followed social media conflicts involving one of the victims, identified as Anna, who had recently celebrated her 18th birthday.
According to the reports, the assailants, led by 21-year-old David A., forcefully took Anna and another girl from their location under the pretext of wanting to talk. The group proceeded to the car wash, where they subjected the victims to humiliation and violence. Witnesses indicated the attackers stripped the girls to their underwear, forced them to kneel, and doused them with ice-cold water and car wash foam.
Frantically crying and terrified, the girls were recorded during the ordeal as the assailants laughed and mocked them, proclaiming, "90s have returned." The brutality extended for approximately one and a half hours as the group continued the assault, with some even filmed it for entertainment.
It was reported by Anna's mother, "It is disgraceful and shameful for those who committed this," expressing her outrage as no adult bystanders intervened during the assault, instead allowing it to play out.
The family of the girls quickly brought the matter to police attention, filing complaints and seeking medical documentation of the physical abuse endured. Unfortunately, due to the holiday season, accessing formal medical examinations proved difficult, and potential signs of physical trauma were minimal, prompting authorities to classify the offense primarily as hooliganism rather than more serious charges such as kidnapping.
This decision has sparked significant frustration among the victims' families. Many worry about the repercussions of such lenient legal treatment, fearing the perpetrators might avoid substantial punishment, with potential penalties limited to community service or fines, rather than incarceration. The attackers seem unfazed by the gravity of their actions, with the family of one victim expressing their fears over threats and potential retaliation now the youths roam freely.
Police have reported the involvement of local teenagers aged 16 to 19, with two of them being minors. The concerns surrounding the impact on the community's safety and the clear lack of intervention from adults present during the attack have led to calls for stronger actions against such behavior. Investigative authorities are expected to review the circumstances of the assault thoroughly, assessing both the actions of the teenage assailants and the oversight role of adult witnesses.
Anna has expressed feelings of fear and anxiety, particularly returning to her school, where she frequently encounters her aggressors. The future remains uncertain for not only the victims but for the broader societal implication of such prevalent violence among youths.
Moving forward, the families plan to appeal directly to senior officials, including Alexander Bastrykin, head of the Investigative Committee, seeking to escalate the investigation and bring about necessary accountability for all involved. The case has raised alarm bells within the justice system and emphasizes the importance of addressing not only the legal ramifications of such assaults but also the extensive emotional traumas inflicted on the victims involved. Community voices continue to call for justice to be served, asserting the necessity for protection and support for those affected by such heinous acts of violence.