AN IRISH WOMAN who was raped in Portugal in 2007 has lodged an application before the European Court of Human Rights over the Portuguese authorities’ alleged “failure to properly investigate” the incident.

Hazel Behan, who is from Westmeath, was attacked in her apartment in Praia da Rocha, Algarve, a 30-minute drive from where three-year-old Madeleine McCann was abducted in the Praia da Luz resort in May 2007.

Convicted rapist Christian Brükner, a prime suspect in the disappearance of Madeleine McCann, was tried and acquitted of raping Behan by a German court last October.

The case now being made to the European Court of Human Rights centres on the alleged inaction of the Portuguese authorities in identifying and prosecuting Brückner.

A statement by Phoenix Law, who is representing Behan, said: “Despite striking similarities between her case and other offences that occurred in the area (to which Brückner is now accused), the Portuguese authorities failed to pursue any clear lines of inquiry.

“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.”

Hazel Behan outside Leinster House Phoenix Law Phoenix Law

Behan’s application lodged today claims that authorities failed to seize the blood-stained bed sheets and broken false nails from the struggle at the scene “which plainly contained important forensic evidence”.

She says Portuguese police didn’t provide her with a translator so she could understand the process or provide a detailed witness statement.

Behan further claimed that she was under surveillance by authorities after the incident, “which included a direct approach by the Portuguese police to return to Ireland due to the damage her allegations had on the tourism industry”.

She also took issue with authorities closing of the case “without notice”.

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.”