21 Jun 2018 | 09:59 PM UTC
Spain: Protests in several cities June 21-22 over release of sexual abusers /update 1
Protests reported and planned in several cities in Spain June 21-22 over planned release of sexual abuse convicts on bail by June 22
Event
Protests were staged in several cities in Spain on Thursday, June 21, over the granting of provisional release from prison for five men convicted of sexually abusing an 18-year-old woman in 2016. The men are expected to be released on bail by Friday, June 22. Hundreds of demonstrators protested the men's impending releases from prison in Pamplona, with similar protests reported in Barcelona, Bilbao, Vitoria, and San Sebastián. Additional related demonstrations are expected to be staged on Friday in Madrid, Seville, Granada, Málaga, Valencia, and Zaragoza. A heightened security presence and localized traffic disruptions are expected near protest sites. Additional similar protests are possible in these and other Spanish cities in the coming days.
Context
Protests initially 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 EUR 10,000 (USD 12,150) in compensation to the victim; the prosecution sought sentences of 22 years in prison for each accused man and EUR 250,000 (USD 303,690) 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.
