LISBON — Three young social media influencers have been arrested and released in Portugal after being accused of raping a 16-year-old girl and sharing video of the attack online.
The case has sparked nationwide protests and demands for stronger laws against sexual violence.
Police say the assault happened in Loures, a suburb of Lisbon. According to investigators, the influencers filmed the attack and shared the video on social media, where more than 32,000 people saw it before it was reported.
Authorities only learned about the crime when the victim sought help at Beatriz Ângelo Hospital. Officers arrested three suspects—aged 17, 18 and 19—on charges of kidnapping, rape and distributing child pornography.
The court later released all three with restrictions. They must check in with the police weekly and are banned from contacting the victim.
The decision to free them has angered many Portuguese citizens. Over the weekend, hundreds protested in Lisbon and other cities, carrying signs that read “No Means No” and shouting demands for justice.
While their names remain private under Portuguese law, local media report that one suspect has 250,000 followers on TikTok. Police say the young men used their online fame to pressure the victim, who was reportedly a follower.
The case has started a national conversation about sexual violence, especially crimes involving social media. Many are calling for new laws to punish people who share violent content online.
Police continue to investigate. No trial date has been set.
