Guinea rape case involving two teens sparks outrage

The gang rape of two teenage girls in eastern Guinea has sparked a nationwide campaign against sexual violence and calls for justice.

The April rapes were filmed and shared on social media. Four men were arrested in Mandiana, in eastern Guinea, and another suspect remains at large.

The footage recently resurfaced online, reviving debate over violence against women, the protection of minors and social media users' responsibility when sharing violent content.

Citizens, human rights groups, artists, journalists, religious leaders and political figures have called in recent days for the alleged perpetrators to be tried and convicted.

The Mandiana prosecutor's office said the trial would begin in the coming days.

Thousands of internet users have shown solidarity with the victims using the hashtag #JeudiNoir, or #BlackThursday, often wearing black to denounce gender-based violence and demand an end to impunity.

Fatima Camara, a member of an NGO fighting violence against women and girls, said nothing could justify sexual assault against minors and said the trial should happen quickly.

A delegation led by Patricia Lamah, who was minister for women, children and solidarity until a government reshuffle, travelled to Mandiana last week to meet the victims, their family and local authorities.