Rape charges against former Australian political party staffer dropped

ANKARA (AA) – The Australian public prosecution announced on Friday that it is dropping an alleged rape case involving a former political party staffer, citing a risk to the complainant's life.

The Australian Capital Territory’s Director of Public Prosecutions Shane Drumgold said sexual charges against Bruce Lehrmann would be dropped due to an "unacceptable risk to the life of the complainant former Liberal party staffer Brittany Higgins," ABC News reported.

Last year, Higgins claimed that she was sexually assaulted by a senior colleague inside the office of a senior government minister in 2019.

After Higgins’ allegations, thousands of women protested in Australia, demanding better workplace protection for women. The news also sparked widespread concern and debate about the treatment and harassment of women in Australian Parliament House.

Later, then-Prime Minister Scott Morrison apologized to Higgins for the way her rape complaint was initially handled.

The trial against Lehrmann has been stopped, Drumgold said.

"I have recently received compelling evidence from two independent medical experts that the ongoing trauma associated with this prosecution presents a significant and unacceptable risk to the life of the complainant,” he was quoted as saying by the broadcaster.

"The evidence makes it clear that this is not limited to the harm of giving evidence in a witness box, rather applies whether or not the complainant is required to enter a witness box during a retrial," he added.

Higgins is currently receiving treatment in a hospital, according to the media outlet, citing a statement from her friend Emma Webster.

"The last couple of years have been difficult and unrelenting,” Webster said in the statement.

"While it's disappointing the trial has ended this way, Brittany's health and safety must always come first.

"Brittany is extremely grateful for all the support she has received, particularly from our mental health care workers."

Last year, Sex Discrimination Commissioner Kate Jenkins revealed in a report that one in every three people working in parliament had experienced some form of sexual harassment.

Following Higgins' allegations, a high-profile inquiry into parliament's workplace culture was conducted.

Jenkins said 37% of respondents had personally experienced bullying, 33% sexual harassment, and 1% attempted sexual assault.

* Writing by Islamuddin Sajid