Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:15am on 22 Jul 2025,Tuesday International
Portugal’s parliament has reclassified rape as a public crime, aligning the country with wider European legal standards. Under the new law, authorities can investigate and prosecute rape cases without requiring a formal complaint from the victim. The legislation, proposed by Bloco de Esquerda, LIVRE, and PAN, passed with support from the Social Democratic Party and parts of the Socialist Party, despite some internal abstentions. Witnesses can now report rape, triggering immediate investigations. Critics raised concerns over victims’ autonomy, but lawmakers said further discussions will refine legal details. The law amends Portugal’s Penal Code, Criminal Procedure Code, and Victim’s Statute. (PC: Representative)
