Rinia Chitanie (68) assaulted and raped at Geervliet. Dies after weeks in coma.

The 68-year-old Rinia Chitanie was severely assaulted and raped on 21 April 2019, Easter Sunday, near Geervliet in Buitenveldert, Amsterdam-Zuid. That evening, around 9:00 p.m., she was taking her usual walk through the neighbourhood, reportedly also to feed ducks. She encountered the then 20-year-old Huruy G., a man from Eritrea who lived in Amsterdam as a residence-permit holder. According to the court, Huruy G. threw her to the ground, undressed her, raped her and struck her on the head. Local residents came outside after hearing her screams and saw him stamping on her head. Rinia Chitanie was taken to hospital in a coma with extremely serious injuries, including broken eye sockets, a broken nasal bone, broken ribs and severe brain damage; the assault also left her blind. Seven weeks later, in June 2019, she died from her injuries. The case caused deep grief, anger and fear in Buitenveldert, where a silent march and later a memorial stone were organised in her memory. Huruy G. was prosecuted for rape and causing Rinia Chitanie’s death. Behavioural experts concluded that he had been psychotic at the time of the attack and was strongly diminished in responsibility; alcohol use was considered an important factor. His father stated during the investigation that he could become dangerous when using alcohol or cannabis. In the first-instance trial, the Public Prosecution Service demanded seven years in prison and TBS with compulsory treatment. On 6 February 2020, the court sentenced Huruy G. to six years in prison and TBS with compulsory treatment. On appeal, prosecutors again demanded a prison sentence and TBS; the core of the case remained that Huruy G. had raped Rinia Chitanie and assaulted her so severely that she later died. While awaiting cassation, Huruy G. was again in the news after allegedly sexually assaulting a nurse inside the Zaanstad Justice Complex.