Authorities in Chile have launched an investigation into allegations that female marine officers were allegedly videotaped in their quarters on a naval vessel by other crew members.
The incident was unveiled after the secretly captured images of the female sailors changing clothes onboard FF-07 Admiral Lynch were shared via social media. The accused officers have been detained by the navy.
Image Credits: wikimedia.org
The Navy said it roundly rejects the actions that insult the members of navy and ensures the privacy of the crew members.
The Estrella de Valparaiso newspaper said a complaint was filed by a sailor who had seen the recordings of the women shared on a Whatsapp group and the country’s naval prosecutor has launched an investigation into at least nine marine officers, Reuters reported.
According to the newspaper, the investigators later found filming devices in various strategic locations on the navy vessel.
Reacting to the incident, Chile’s Minister of National Defence José Antonio Gómez assured most severe penalty allowed in the country to sailors found to be involved in videotaping Scandal.
Defence Minister also added that the prosecutors had been instructed to work accordingly to deliver severe penalty for those found responsible, saying these sanctions would set an example.
According to Chile’s 1944 Military Code of Justice, the military personal who violates the rule may face suspension or dismissal from the forces and also possible detention for a period of up to five years, RT reported.
Meanwhile, Chilean President Michelle Bachelet said the incident happened on the frigate Lynch, if it’s true, is unacceptable.
“Let’s end all forms of violence against women,” Bachelet wrote on Twitter.
Reports suggest that Chile, the prosperous nation in South America, remains socially conservative compared to other countries in the region.
The participation of women in labor market remains less in numbers in Chile, where abortion is illegal and divorce was only legalised in 2006.
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