Sydney
The leader of a group of 14 Lebanese-Australians who gang-raped seven girls in a brutal, three-week spree was sentenced this week to 55 years in prison. It is the longest non-murder sentence ever handed down in Australia. Most Australian newspapers reported that the rapes were racially motivated. The teenage victims were all white, and some of them were called “Aussie pig” or “Aussie slut” or told they would be raped “Leb-style.” Some were raped repeatedly by all 14 men. The gang leader, whose name has not been released, was 18 at the time of the crimes, two years ago. He showed no remorse, and cursed the judge during his trial. The case has fueled anti-immigrant sentiment in Australia.
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
Join more than 350,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with a selection of The Week’s most interesting, enlightening and entertaining stories - plus daily puzzles.
Join more than 350,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with a selection of The Week’s most interesting, enlightening and entertaining stories - plus daily puzzles.