28 Apr 2018 | 01:50 AM UTC
Spain: Large protests over rape case in several cities April 26-27
Large protests in several Spanish cities over rape case April 26-27; additional protests possible in the coming days
Event
Thousands of people protested in several Spanish cities on Thursday, April 26, and Friday, April 27, over the perceived light verdict and sentences issued for five Spanish men accused of gang raping an 18-year-old woman in Pamplona. Demonstrations and marches were notably held in Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Pamplona, Alicante, and Seville. Additional related protests are possible across Spain in the coming days; consequent traffic disruptions are expected near potential protests.
Context
The protests broke out in Spain on April 26 after five men accused of gang raping an 18-year-old woman during the San Fermín festival in Pamplona in 2016 were found guilty of "continuous sexual abuse," a lesser offense. A Pamplona court sentenced each of the men to nine years in prison and ordered each to pay USD 12,150 (EUR 10,000) in compensation to the victim; the prosecution sought sentences of 22 years in prison for each accused man and USD 303,690 (EUR 250,000) in compensation.
Advice
Individuals in Spain are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid all protests and demonstrations as a precaution, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.
