Luxembourg police warns of Facebook slander

(CS) Luxembourg police have issued a statement warning Facebook users of hateful slander on the social media site, after a Luxembourg suspect in the Portuguese wildfires was threatened online.

The warning came after Facebook users called for self-justice online.

One page, which garnered over 22,000 likes in just a few days, encouraged users to hunt down the suspect, as well as publishing a picture of him. Another page on Facebook proclaimed that the suspect should burn to death.

Police are warning that incitement to hatred and incitement to commit crimes are punishable by law, and confirmed to wort.lu/pt that it is investigating the site.

The offences are punishable with a fine of 500 euros to 5,000 euros and a prison sentence of eight days to one year.

The people behind the page were quick to catch on and warned their followers that the page may be shut down shortly, directing them towards another address.

Earlier this week it had emerged that Portuguese authorities were suspecting a Luxembourg resident of arson in connection to wildfires in Portugal's Serra do Caramulo region, following a confession by an alleged collaborator.

However, the suspect has denied the accusations.

The prosecution in Portugal and in Luxembourg refused to comment on the case, as the investigation is ongoing.