Suspects filmed alleged rape and posted images online
Three young men suspected of raping a teenager in Loures and sharing images of the rape online are ‘influencers’ with “an already very significant audience”, the Lisbon regional director of the Judicial Police (PJ) admitted today.
Speaking to journalists on the sidelines of a conference at PJ headquarters in Lisbon on art forgery, João Oliveira, director of the Lisbon and Tejo Valley directorate, said the trio had “a very significant activity” on social networks.
“(…) They could be considered ‘influencers’ and from there they already have a very significant audience. And it was precisely in the context of this power of influence that they have with younger audiences that this situation occurred,” he explains.
The 16-year-old girl, who was raped in February in Loures (Lisbon), was a follower of the suspects on social media. She initially maintained virtual contact, but later ended up arranging a face-to-face meeting.
“It was then that these sexual acts took place, in which the youngster was raped, the acts were filmed and then publicised,” says João Oliveira.
Regarding the fact that the suspects have been released following police questioning – subject only to periodic appearances and a ban on contact with the victim – the PJ director seemed to believe there was no cause for alarm: “surely the magistrates have considered all the facts very thoroughly.”
The suspects, aged between 17 and 19, were arrested on Monday in Loures, on suspicion of aggravated rape and offences involving child pornography against a teenager.
The investigation originated in a report from the Beatriz Ângelo Hospital in Loures to PSP police.
And, on the subject of influencers, Tiago Grila – the ‘famous influencer’ who revealed he had hit a pedestrian while driving his car, and not stopped – is now back in the this country after a month’s holiday in Angola, and insisting the whole story was ‘made up’ as a marketing ploy. The fact that it gels so exactly with a hit-and-run in Amadora last year has not fully satisfied police, who have reopened their inquiry into the incident, in spite of Grila protesting his innocence. ND
