In Brazil, police confirm teenager girl was gang raped

Fernando Veloso, chief police officer of Rio de Janeiro Civil Police, and Cristiana Bento, officer of the Police Station for the Child and Adolescent Victim, declared to the press today (May 30) that they already have enough elements to state that the 16-year-old teenager suffered a gang rape. A video showing the girl naked and unconscious was posted on social media.

"We have no other argument concerning it. That girl was victim of a sexual violence, according to the Statute of Children and Adolescents, she was victim of the release of images and is being the victim of society, judging who she is or is not. This girl needs protection and care," said the chief police officer. "There was, in fact, a rape. Now, I want to find out the extent of this rape, the number of people who raped this young woman," added Cristiana.

According to the Civil Police, the video posted on social media is enough for police to file charges of gang rape. In the footage, one of the men touches the teenager, who looks unconscious, with two other men. "If one abuses, and the other watches, he is an accessory and will be charged for the same crime," said the police chief officer.

According to the police, one of the men in the video says 30 people assaulted her, which has been confirmed by the victim herself. Nonetheless, Veloso said, this piece of information needs to be more “solid,” so that the exact number of perpetrators can be ascertained.

Six people have now been considered suspects of statutory rape and the production and release of pornographic material with a minor. Five are still on the loose and one reported to the police today.

Case transfer

Veloso also reported that the case was sent from the Police Station for the Repression of Cyber Crimes to that of the Child and Adolescent Victim.

Translated by Amarilis Anchieta / Fabrício Ferreira

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