Three members of the Italian junior fencing team are suspected of assaulting a 17-year-old fencer from Uzbekistan in Italy. The incident took place during a training camp organized by the Italian Fencing Federation in Chiavenna Terme on August 4-5, 2023.
According to reports, the victim woke up in a room with three boys after a party the night before, feeling disoriented and in pain. She later discovered bruises and injuries on her body. The victim confided in a teammate, who informed her mother and the authorities about the sexual assault.
Two suspects are currently under investigation, while the third, a minor, is being handled by the juvenile prosecutor's office. The accused maintain their innocence. The victim's lawyer criticized the slow response of the authorities and the fencing federation in taking action against the athletes involved.
The Italian Fencing Federation claims to have cooperated with the authorities and expressed willingness to participate in any legal proceedings. The Mayor of Chiavenna Terme announced plans to file a civil lawsuit against the accused once they are identified, showing support for the victim and her family.
Meanwhile, the Uzbekistan Fencing Federation refuted the allegations, stating that their team was competing in the World University Games in China, not in Italy, during the specified period. They condemned the dissemination of false information and accused the Italian federation of targeting their successful athletes with baseless claims.
The Uzbek federation characterized the situation as a common tactic used against strong athletes in sports and politics. The conflicting narratives highlight the complexity of the case and the need for a thorough investigation to uncover the truth behind the disturbing allegations.
