Dermantsi village police investigate sexual assault of 77-year-old woman

Police and prosecutors in Bulgaria are investigating a sexual assault against a 77-year-old woman in the village of Dermantsi, located in the Lovech region. The victim, Angelina, reported that a 48-year-old neighbor and distant relative, identified as Andrian, entered her home without permission approximately one week ago.

The victim stated that the suspect attempted to silence her while physically assaulting her, but she managed to defend herself by striking him with her walking stick, causing him to flee. Security camera footage from the property reportedly shows the suspect attempting to enter through a locked gate before finding access through a rear entrance.

Following the report, the suspect was detained by police but released after approximately 24 hours, as authorities noted he had no prior criminal record. The Lovech District Prosecutor's Office has initiated pre-trial proceedings for indecency. If convicted, the suspect faces a prison sentence of two to eight years. While the victim's family has expressed outrage over his release, the suspect's relatives maintain his innocence.