The Supreme Court acquits a high school teacher who was convicted of sexual harassment in the district and appellate courts.
During a lesson, a 15-year-old student tried on a weightlifting belt that a classmate had brought to school. She fastened the belt over her sweater. The teacher then commented on the girl's appearance, saying "Oh, what big breasts you have now".
The teacher has emphasized that the statement was spontaneous and that he regretted it afterwards.
The court writes that the statement was "inappropriate and unseemly, but cannot be considered to have such a clear sexual direction or character that it falls within the punishable area" and acquits the teacher.
The verdict is precedent-setting.