Victim fails to testify in Barták case

A woman allegedly victimised by prominent physician Jaroslav Barták, who is on trial on charges of sexual abuse, was unable to testify against the defendant on Thursday for health reasons. The witness, said to be deeply traumatised by her ordeal, developed psychiatric problems which prevented her from taking the stand. After leaving Mr Barták’s employ, she had received treatment and was hospitalised. Several others in the case who were also allegedly brutalised developed similar problems. The judge overseeing the case said on Thursday that expert witnesses would assess the woman’s condition and would determine her ability to appear in court in the future.

Author: Jan Velinger