SVG: Police probe explicit video circulated on social media

(Content warning: sexual assault)

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CMC – Police have warned against the circulation of a video showing what appears to be a young female being gang raped, saying that anyone convicted could face a fine of EC$750,000 (One EC dollar=US$0.37 cents) or imprisoned for 20 years or both.

In a statement, the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF) said it is investigating the origins of the video that is being circulated on social media, appearing to show two males raping the girl and suggests that at least a third person was present and filming the crime.

“The RSVGPF wishes to advise the general public that it is a prosecutable offence to circulate or share videos of this nature on social media,” the statement said, warning perpetrators that they can be charged with multiple offences under the Cybercrime Act of 2016, including child pornography.

The law states that a person who commits a crime under the child pornography section is liable, on summary conviction, to a fine of EC$300,000 dollars or seven years imprisonment or to both. On conviction on indictment, a person is liable to a fine of EC$750,000 or to imprisonment for 20 years or to both.

Charges of sexual harassment by electronic communication can also be laid against those involved in circulating the video, the police said, adding that under this section, on summary conviction, a person is subjected to a fine of EC$100,000 or to imprisonment for two years or to both.

On conviction on indictment, a person can be fined EC$200,000 or imprisoned for five years or to both.

“In addition, circulating such videos re-victimises and re-traumatises the victim. Accordingly, the RSVGPF calls on the culprit(s) circulating this video to stop immediately or face prosecution.”

The police said that all information received regarding this incident would be treated confidentially.

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