Investigation Launched Into Abuse of 5-Year-Old Child in Vratsa Region.

A 5-year-old child from the Vratsa region was admitted to the Emergency Medical Center in Montana with severe bruises and hematomas on the face and limbs, BTA reported. The alert regarding the child's condition was filed by the doctor on duty, and law enforcement authorities immediately launched an investigation into suspected domestic violence. Investigators established that the child had been subjected to systematic physical abuse between May 15 and June.

The report was submitted on June 13 by a duty doctor at the Emergency Medical Center in Montana, who identified visible signs of violence on the minor. During the medical examination, doctors found multiple bruises and hematomas on the child's face, arms, and legs.

The alleged abuse took place in the village of Novachene, Sofia Province, where the child had been staying during the past month. A key witness has already been questioned, and based on the evidence collected, pre-trial proceedings have been initiated under Article 131 of the Criminal Code. The case materials have been promptly submitted to an on-duty prosecutor at the District Prosecutor's Office in Montana.

A pre-trial investigation has been opened for causing bodily injury under conditions of domestic violence, with the investigation being conducted under the strict supervision of the Montana District Prosecutor's Office.

Data from the Montana Regional Directorate of the Ministry of Interior for the first six months of the year indicate significant levels of domestic violence. Ten cases involved bodily injuries, four involved death threats, and two concerned violations of previously issued court protection orders.

The evidence gathered so far indicates that the violence against the 5-year-old child was systematic and continued throughout the past month.