Prosecutors upgrade charge against Warsaw man accused of raping, killing Belarusian woman

April 11, Pozirk. Polish prosecutors have brought a more serious charge against a 23-year old man accused of raping and killing Lizavieta Hiercien, a Belarusian, in downtown Warsaw on February 25, rmf24 reported.

Dorian S., who was initially charged with attempted murder, rape and robbery has had that charge upgraded to murder after investigators found evidence that the attack was the direct cause of the victim’s death.

Investigators said the suspect put a knife to her throat, pulled her towards the gate of an apartment bloc, raped, strangled and beat the victim. He left the girl at the scene unconscious and went to a store. Later, he came back to the apartment he rented together with his girlfriend.

The suspect was arrested the same day as he left the apartment house. Police seized the big kitchen knife and balaclava that he allegedly used in the attack.  

Hiercien died on March 1 in hospital without regaining consciousness.

The attack sparked outrage on social media. Many pointed out that no one came to help the woman during the incident.

Several thousand Belarusians staged a march in downtown Warsaw on March 6 to protest violence against women.

Also read: Thousands march to mourn Belarusian woman raped in Warsaw