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The Australian couple who kept a slave: Eight and seven years in prison, respectively
Photo: James Ross / AAP / imago images
A couple in Melbourne, Australia, held a woman as a slave for eight years.
The victim, who comes from India, was discovered in the family home in 2015 in a hygienically devastating and life-threatening condition.
Several weeks ago, the couple was found guilty by the Victoria State Supreme Court.
Now the sentence has become known: The defendants have to be imprisoned for several years.
The 53-year-old woman was sentenced to eight years in prison and her 57-year-old husband was sentenced to six years.
Only after they have served half the sentence can the two apply for parole, according to the judge's verdict.
"Slavery is a crime against humanity," said the judge when pronouncing the verdict.
“I firmly believe that the two of you believe you did nothing wrong.
Neither of you have shown guilty conscience or remorse. ”He dubbed the couple“ compulsive liars ”.
Martyrdom began in 2007
The victim's martyrdom began in 2007. The Indian woman had to clean and cook for the family for around 1.80 euros a day, and she was also responsible for looking after the children.
The woman's family had failed attempts to establish contact and then called the police.
Initially, officials were turned away at the couple's house, and the woman has not been seen since 2007.
When she was found by the authorities, she weighed only 40 kilograms and was in an inhumane condition, the Australian broadcaster ABC quoted the court as saying.
According to doctors, she would have died within a short time without treatment.
"Your crime happened in the daily presence and with the obvious knowledge and understanding of your children," the judge continued.
As parents, the condemned were thus a "pathetic example" for their children.
lmd / dpa