CRIET Bénin: Student Accused of Diffusion Photos Intimes, Case Postponed

• A student appeared before the CRIET on October 13, 2026, facing charges of harcèlement par voie électronique.
• He is accused of publishing intimate photos of his ex-girlfriend on his WhatsApp status after their breakup.
• The plaintiff testified that her ex-boyfriend had threatened to disseminate her images if she ended their relationship.
• The defendant denied publishing the images but admitted they were exchanged privately during their relationship.
• The CRIET has adjourned the case, with the next hearing scheduled for December 1, 2026.

This case underscores the Cour de répression des infractions économiques et du terrorisme's commitment to actively prosecuting instances of cyberharassment and the non-consensual sharing of intimate images in Bénin.

A student recently appeared before the Cour de répression des infractions économiques et du terrorisme (CRIET) in Bénin, facing accusations of harcèlement par voie électronique. The proceedings took place on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, where the individual was confronted with allegations of having disseminated private images of his former partner. Following their separation, the student is alleged to have posted intimate photographs of his ex-girlfriend on his WhatsApp status, leading to his apprehension and subsequent imprisonment.

The plaintiff testified during the hearing, recounting a prior threat from her ex-boyfriend. She stated that he had warned he would publish her intimate images if she chose to terminate their relationship. She further explained that she only became aware of the images' public display through friends, having previously blocked the accused's phone number. In response to these serious claims, the student denied the accusations of dissemination. While he acknowledged that the images had been exchanged between them in a private context during their relationship, he firmly rejected any responsibility for their subsequent public release.

The case, focusing on cyberharcèlement Bénin, highlights the CRIET's role in addressing digital offenses. The plaintiff's legal representation, notably, also acts on behalf of the Institut national de la femme (INF), underscoring the broader societal implications of such incidents. To substantiate the allegations, the plaintiff's attorney presented screenshots as evidence to the court.

During the hearing, the public prosecutor offered a pertinent observation regarding digital evidence. The prosecution noted that merely possessing a SIM card does not definitively establish that its owner is the active user of a specific WhatsApp account. This point introduces a layer of complexity in proving digital culpability. Following the initial proceedings, the CRIET decided to postpone the matter, scheduling the next CRIET audience 1er décembre 2026, to allow for further deliberation.

This ongoing case, centered on CRIET Bénin diffusion photos intimes, serves as a critical indicator of the judicial system's approach to cybercrime in the country. It underscores the Cour de répression des infractions économiques et du terrorisme's commitment to actively prosecuting instances of cyberharassment and the non-consensual sharing of intimate images in Bénin. The fact that the student was apprehended and imprisoned reflects the serious view taken by authorities on such digital transgressions, even when they originate from personal relationships.

For legal professionals, this case is a stark reminder of the severe legal consequences under Béninois law for digital misconduct, particularly concerning the unauthorized distribution of private content. The upcoming CRIET audience 1er décembre 2026 will be closely watched, as its final ruling could establish significant precedents regarding the admissibility and interpretation of digital evidence, as well as the enforcement of cybercrime statutes in Bénin. The outcome will undoubtedly influence future legal strategies and public awareness campaigns surrounding digital privacy and online safety.

Lawyers should be aware of the CRIET's active prosecution of cyberharassment and non-consensual intimate image sharing cases, even in personal contexts. This case serves as a reminder to advise clients on the severe legal consequences under Béninois law and to monitor the final ruling for potential precedents in digital evidence and cybercrime enforcement.

Source: Original reporting via Libre Express.