Leo Nunes, a 24-year-old man in Brazil, was shot and killed in an alley in Sao Paulo after arranging a date through a gay dating app. This incident is part of a series of attacks on gay men who use these apps in Brazil. At least five men have been killed and many others have been robbed after being targeted through dating apps. The police are investigating these incidents as robberies resulting in homicides.
The gay community in Brazil is shaken by these attacks, as they are often targeted due to structural homophobia and vulnerability to criminal activities. Criminals are known to use fake profiles on dating apps to lure victims into dangerous situations. Victims have reported being robbed and assaulted after meeting up with individuals they met online.
The reluctance of LGBTQ victims to report these crimes is due to a lack of support and understanding from law enforcement and the justice system. Judges and police officers often avoid categorizing crimes as homophobia, making victims hesitant to come forward and report incidents. The Brazilian Forum on Public Security has recorded an increase in murders motivated by homophobia and transphobia, highlighting the need for greater protection for LGBTQ individuals in the country.
The families of the victims, like Leo Nunes, are mourning their loss and calling for justice. They express frustration with the lack of support and recognition of these crimes as hate crimes. The LGBTQ community in Brazil continues to face discrimination and violence, despite legal protections in place.
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