The commander of the Fundão Volunteer Firefighters has resigned.
His decision follows a report of alleged sexual abuse within the barracks as part of a hazing ritual.
The leader of this unit believes that, after the reported incidents, he is not in a position to continue his duties.
Eleven members of the Fundão firefighter brigade were arrested on Tuesday, November 25, on suspicion of committing a sexual assault against a 19-year-old man.
The victim is a 19-year-old firefighter who was “subjected to violent sexual acts during a questionable hazing.”
The incidents reportedly took place inside the barracks during a hazing ritual for a new member of the unit in September. They were reported to authorities by the victim, with support from the unit’s Command, which, according to the PJ police, “cooperated with the police at all times.”
The 11 firefighters have been prohibited from contacting the victim, who is also a firefighter. Eight are banned from entering or frequenting the barracks.
According to the court, the 11 firefighters are also prohibited from visiting or staying at the victim’s residence and workplace, must remain at least 500 meters away from the victim, and are forbidden from contacting other defendants and witnesses in the case.
The court’s decision was based on the “evidence gathered thus far” and identified “risks of continued criminal activity, disruption of the inquiry’s progress, and disturbance to public order and tranquility.”
Following the controversy, the now former commander of the Fundão Volunteer Firefighters, José Sousa, stated that the firefighters would be subjected to an internal inquiry process.
[This news is being updated]
