The prosecutor’s office and the police have launched an investigation after they were notified of an Instagram profile that was actively soliciting violent videos. The statement said the content focused on “violence by or against minors” and “fights between young people”.
According to information from the prosecutor’s office and the police, the authorities received the alert concerning this profile on 20 January. At the request of the prosecutor’s office youth protection department, prosecutors opened an investigation to clarify the facts and identify any possible responsibilities.
In the context of this investigation, the authorities state that disseminating violent images and videos can have serious human and legal consequences. Such content “banalises and glorifies violence” while also making public “the suffering, insecurity or even humiliation” of those affected. In cases involving minors, this is not compatible with human dignity or with the protection of young people.
The prosecutor’s office points out that the Luxembourg penal code strictly prohibits “producing, transporting, distributing or sharing messages or content of a violent or pornographic nature”, including via social networks. Violations can result in severe penalties. The law provides for a prison sentence of one to five years, as well as a fine of between €251 and €75,000. The authorities can punish both the creators of such content and those who distribute or share it.
In the context of the investigation into the operators of the Instagram profile, the authorities are calling for the responsible use of social media.
