Feb 19 • 11:16 UTC 🇪🇸 Spain El País

The trial against the young Portuguese who incited school massacres in Brazil through digital platforms begins

The trial of a young Portuguese man accused of instigating school massacres in Brazil via online platforms has commenced in Portugal.

The trial of Miguel P., known as Mikazz, has begun in Santa Maria da Feira, Portugal, as he faces charges for inciting severe acts of violence, including animal torture and physical mutilation, through digital platforms. Authorities allege that he led virtual groups encouraging self-harm and suicidal behavior, culminating in serious criminal offenses. Notably, he is charged with instigating seven homicides, one of which resulted in a tragic event at a public school in São Paulo, Brazil, where a 16-year-old student, motivated by Mikazz, killed a classmate and injured others.

The case has raised critical questions about the role of digital platforms in facilitating and amplifying violent tendencies among minors. As society increasingly turns to the internet for social interaction, the implications of such actions by individuals like Mikazz highlight the urgent need for regulatory measures to prevent the spread of harmful content online. The prosecution seeks to understand the influencing factors that led a minor to incite such grievous acts and how these actions can be effectively countered in a digital world.

With the trial unfolding in Portugal, attention is focused not only on the legal proceedings but also on the broader societal repercussions of the online environment that can foster extremist behaviors. The outcome may set a precedent for how similar cases are handled in the future, challenging existing legal frameworks and calling for a more robust response to combat online radicalization.

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