Rape survivor Hazel Behan brings case to European Court

James Cox

An Irish woman is bringing a case to the European Court of Human Rights over Portugal's handling of her sexual assault case involving Christian Bruckner.

Bruckner is the prime suspect in the disappearance of Madeleine McCann.

Hazel Behan from Dublin was in Praia da Rocha in 2004, when she was violently attacked in her apartment.

Convicted sex offender Christan Bruckner, from Germany, was tried and acquitted of the assault last year.

Bruckner is the main suspect in the disappearance of Madeleine McCann, who went missing in 2007.

Hazel Behan has now lodged a case before the European Court of Human Rights, alleging Portuguese authorities didn't investigate her own assault properly.

This includes allegations that they failed seize evidence, failed to give her a translator and pressured her not to damage Portuguese tourism.

A filing from Ms Behan's solicitor concludes: "The systematic failings in the Portuguese investigation from the time have directly effected the ability of the German authorites to prosecute Brückner for the rape of Ms Behan.

"It is for this reason Ms Behan brings the instant application to the European Court of Human Rights for violations of Article 3 (prohibition of inhuman or degrading treatment) and Article 8 (right to private life)."

Ms Behan said: "Lodging my case with the European Court of Human Rights is not just about seeking justice for myself—it's about standing up after being silenced and ignored for far too long. I carry the pain of how I was treated every single day, but I hope the Court will ensure that my human rights are protected in line with the very standards that is expected right across Europe.

"And that maybe, through this, Portugal, and other countries, will treat victims of rape, both domestic and foreign, with the decency and respect we deserve."

Darragh Mackin, solicitor for Ms Behan, said: “The European Court of Human Rights exists for a reason. It exists to ensure victims like Hazel Behan are guaranteed a minimum level of protections across the various member states.

"Through this action, Hazel has highlighted the systematic and inexcusable failings by the Portuguese authorities has denied her and many other victims, justice for nearly two decades. These failings have ultimately contributed to the acquittal of one of the most high profile perpertrators in modern history.

"This case is about ensuring that victims of sexual violence are not ignored, dismissed, or silenced by the very systems that are meant to protect them."