Belize City Man Charged with Raping Child

A man from Belize City has been charged with raping a child, according to police reports. The incident was brought to the attention of authorities after the victim, a 14-year-old girl, was taken to the San Pedro Polyclinic, where a doctor confirmed that she was 22 weeks pregnant.

The accused, identified as 24-year-old Nelson Canul, was living with the minor at the time of the alleged crime. The child reported to police that she had engaged in unlawful sexual intercourse with Canul, leading to her pregnancy. Following the medical examination and the victim's statement, police formally charged Canul with the crime of unlawful sexual intercourse.

In a separate case, Wilson Flores, a 48-year-old resident of Kelly Street, was remanded to Belize Central Prison after being denied bail for the alleged rape of a child under the age of 16. The incident reportedly occurred between September and December 2019. Flores appeared unrepresented before a Senior Magistrate and was formally charged with rape of a child, with no plea taken due to the nature of the offense.

The Senior Magistrate explained that bail would not be granted due to the serious nature and prevalence of the crime. The victim, now 13 years old, reported the sexual assault to the police, and a medical examination confirmed that the child had been carnally known. Following the investigation, Flores was detained and charged on April 22, 2024.

Why this matters: These cases highlight the ongoing issue of child sexual abuse in Belize and the need for increased efforts to protect vulnerable children. The long-term physical, emotional, and psychological impact on the victims underscores the importance of swift justice and support for survivors.

Authorities continue to investigate both cases, gathering evidence and witness statements. The accused individuals will face legal proceedings in the coming weeks. As the nation grapples with these disturbing incidents, there are calls for strengthened child protection measures and support services for victims of sexual violence.

Key Takeaways

• A 24-year-old man charged with raping a 14-year-old girl in Belize City.
• The victim was 22 weeks pregnant when taken to the San Pedro Polyclinic.
• A 48-year-old man charged with raping a child under 16 in Belize.
• The accused were denied bail due to the serious nature of the crimes.
• Calls for strengthened child protection and support services for victims.