Judo Champion Peter Seisenbacher Detained in Ukraine
Detention Following Extradition Request
Former judo champion Peter Seisenbacher, who won two consecutive Olympic gold medals in 1984 and 1988, was detained in Kiev, Ukraine, on Wednesday. A Ukrainian court granted an extradition request from Austrian authorities, detaining Seisenbacher for 40 days.
Allegations of Abuse
Seisenbacher, now 57, is accused of abusing multiple girls during his time as a coach at a Viennese judo club between 1997 and 2004. The Austrian prosecutor’s office alleges that he abused two girls and attempted to abuse another. Seisenbacher has not yet addressed the allegations.
Speedy Delivery Process
Ukraine can extradite foreign suspects if the requesting state’s charges carry a punishment of more than a year imprisonment or “serious punishment,” as in Seisenbacher’s case. Austria’s criminal code carries a penalty of up to ten years for sexual abuse.
According to Ukrainian law, suspects can be initially imprisoned for up to 40 days in such cases.
FAQ
- What are the charges against Peter Seisenbacher?
- He is accused of abusing two girls and attempting to abuse another during his time as a coach in Vienna.
- Why was he detained in Ukraine?
- Ukraine granted an extradition request from Austrian authorities, where the alleged crimes took place.
Did you know?
Peter Seisenbacher was the first Austrian to win two gold medals at the same Olympics.
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