Five boys charged with violence at boarding school

Five children are charged with violence and illegal coercion against two others at Herlufsholm Boarding School. The accused, born in 2007, allegedly forced the victims to eat chips touched by genitals and to lick a shoe under threat of beating. Both victims also suffered physical abuse. The incidents, framed as punishments for wrong quiz answers, are part of increased scrutiny on the school after a documentary revealed violence, assault, and bullying. Most related police reports were closed without charges, except for this case. Prosecutors seek prison sentences and have the case reviewed by the Youth Crime Board, which offers social measures and improvement programs for offenders aged 10-17. The five boys’ response to the indictment is unclear, and trial dates at Næstved Court are not set.