State Committee: "Investigation continues into rape of 11-year-old girl in Imishli"

"We immediately reacted to the incident pertaining to an 11-year-old girl, who was abused (raped) by her stepfather in Imishli (Azerbaijan). Each agency has its own responsibility in this issue. The law-enforcement agencies are doing their shares of job," Aynur Sofiyeva, Deputy Chairman of the State Committee for Family, Women, and Children, told Report.

The teenager was provided with medical services, she said.

"The health agency did its work. Our main job was to work with other kids in the family. We immediately contacted the district executive authorities. It turned out that the girl has a brother. A psychologist was sent without delay. After collaborating with the Social Services Agency and her family, she was placed in a childcare center. At present, the girl is in the childcare center. We are continuing our work to this end."

"The teenager was in a very bad condition before the surgery and wanted only her mother. We were obliged to have her mother brought to (Baku) from Imishli. She is currently in the shelter with her mother and a brother. The investigation will decide whether or not the mother was guilty. If the mother is found guilty, the children will be placed at a childcare center. Otherwise, they will be given back to the mother," Sofiyeva added.