Hazel Behan believes condemned rapist cited in missing Madeleine case was her attacker
Hazel Behan, the Irish woman whose name resurfaced in the media following German policeās citing of Christian BrĆ¼ckner as the potential abductor of Madeleine McCann, is taking a case to the European Court of Human Rights, alleging that Portuguese authorities failed dismally to properly investigate the violent rape she suffered in an apartment in Praia da Rocha in 2004.
Ms Behan believes her attacker was Christian BrĆ¼ckner.
When German police published details of their investigation – including images of BrĆ¼ckner – it was his eyes that mainly caught her attention, she explained at the time. They were the “piercing blue eyes” of her attacker years before.
But in spite of her coming forwards, nothing came of the allegations: a German court tried and acquitted BrĆ¼ckner last year of multiple sexual allegations, including the rape of Hazel Behan, and he is now close to nearing the end of his sentence, served in Germany, for the rape of an elderly American woman in Praia da Luz, and could well soon be released from jail – something German prosecutors are said to be trying to avoid.
Thus Hazel Behanās case may in some way be connected with these endeavours, as it comes a very long time after the facts. The statute of limitations for rape in Portugal is 15 years, so it is difficult to see that even a decision in Ms Behanās favour could change anything with regard to BrĆ¼cknerās impending liberty.
According to Irish broadcaster RTĆ (RaidiĆ³ TeilifĆs Ćireann), “Ms Behanās case alleges inaction on the part of the Portuguese authorities in identifying and prosecuting BrĆ¼ckner”.
She claims there was a failure to seize important forensic evidence including blood-stained bed sheets and broken false nails.
She also says there was a failure to provide her with a translator so she could understand the process or provide a detailed witness statement.
Hazel Behan also says surveillance was imposed on her afterwards; that there was a “direct approach” by Portuguese police urging her to return to Ireland due to the damage her allegations had on the tourism industry, and that the case was closed “without notice”.
RTĆ’s report claims “Ms Behan says the failings in the Portuguese investigation at the time directly affected the ability of the German authorities to prosecute BrĆ¼ckner.
“In her application to the European Court of Human Rights she says her rights to a private life and to be protected from inhuman or degrading treatment have been violated.
“In a statement issued through her solicitor, Darragh Mackin of Phoenix Law, Ms Behan said lodging her case was not about seeking justice for herself, it was about “standing up after being silenced and ignored for far too long”.
“Ms Behan said she carried the pain of how she was treated every single day. But she said she hoped through her action, Portugal and other countries would treat victims of rape, domestic and foreign, with the decency and respect they deserved.
“Mr Mackin said Ms Behan was highlighting “systematic and inexcusable failings” by the Portuguese authorities.
“He also said the case was about ensuring that victims of sexual violence were not ignored, dismissed or silenced by the systems that were meant to protect them”. ND
Source: RTĆ/ Irish Independent
