The owner of Choquei gives a statement in MG and

The owner of Choquei gives a statement in MG and Jéssica's lawyer goes to court

The civil police of Minas Gerais are investigating whether Jéssica Canedo was tricked into suicide | Photo: Social Networks / Reproduction

Owner of the profile “Choquei”.Raphael Souza, from Goiás, made a statement this Thursday (28) within the framework of the Civil Police of Minas Gerais Investigation into the death of Jéssica Vitória Canedo. She was found dead aged 22 after being falsely accused online of having a relationship with comedian Whindersson Nunes.

According to the civil police, the testimony took place via videoconference, in the presence of Raphael's lawyer and police chief Felipe Oliveira Monteiro, who is leading the investigation at the Araguari police station in the Triângulo Mineiro. City where Jéssica Canedo lived.

Choquei was one of the sites that told the fictional story of Jéssica's relationship with Whindersson. According to the site, Raphael “provided facts and documents that help clarify the incident and convey the true dimension of Choquei's role in the case.”

The site, whose publications have been suspended since Jéssica's death (December 22), justified that another profile was the “generator of fake news” and that Choquei had republished the content. He also said he provided evidence of the site's operations once the content was found to be untrue.

The profile also said that it “deeply regrets what happened to Jéssica Vitória Canedo and sympathizes with her family.” He also added that “it is undergoing a profound process of internal reassessment of the methods used, with the aim of introducing filters and codes of conduct to prevent episodes of this type from recurring.”

Family fights for justice

Jessica's family's lawyer, Ezequiel Souza, said he would sue those involved in spreading the false news. “We will seek confidence in the judiciary so that anyone involved in spreading false news that may have contributed to Jéssica's death is held accountable according to the law,” he said.

The defense attorney contends that while we live in a time when information is widely available, the risks associated with the spread of fake news cannot be ignored. “Never before in human history has the spread of information been so rapid and significant for society. However, given the untimely departure of Jéssica, we cannot ignore the risks associated with the dissemination of false, unrelated and untrue information that causes daily harm to the lives of countless people and to society as a whole,” he explained.

Do you need help?

If you have suicidal thoughts, seek specialist help, such as: Life Assessment Center (CVV) and the psychosocial care centers (Caps) in your city.

You can contact CVV representatives 24 hours a day at 188 for assistance. They also have email, chat and inperson support.

THE TIME strengthens the commitment to quality, professional and Minas Gerais journalism. Our newsroom produces responsible information every day that you can trust.

Follow THE TIME on Facebook, on Twitter and on Instagram. Help grow our community.