case developments in galicia unfold amid gender violence investigations
A court in tui, pontevedra, known as the first court of order for the region, held an open hearing related to a gender-violence investigation following the death of a former partner in oia last weekend, with the investigation subsequently leading to a suicide by the suspect. the judicial order concerns earlier incidents that did not quickly proceed to trial, a situation noted by the government sub-committee in april and corroborated by sources from the high court of galicia (tsxg). ongoing inquiry was requested to clarify the sequence of events.
Two months earlier, on april 5, the vigo against women court in vigo had already processed the case, with the court approving the release of the detainee under protections including a restraining order and a communication ban for the victim. state officials cited that a rapid trial could not be conducted because the victim disclosed details of the two incidents and the court had not received the necessary reports in time [tsxg, governmental sources].
vigo, the court responsible for handling gender-based violence in tui, began preliminary proceedings for the case and sought to provide the missing injury documentation to be delivered to the galician forensic medicine institute (imelga) for analysis after may 23 and 24— the court forwarded the materials to the institute for report.
on may 23, the victim’s attorney petitioned the tui court to permit the woman to enter the suspect’s residence to recover belongings. the judge authorized this request, arranging for state security forces to assist the following day to ensure the woman’s safety.
the wait outside the campsite
victor g.d. waited at the o muíño campsite all morning for vanessa to emerge from a parked van, a detail confirmed by local business leader beatriz gonzález who described the municipality of baixo miño as a place of intense drama. the scene drew witnesses and journalists alike.
gonzález added that a minibus stood at the campsite entrance for much of the morning and that staff and campers observed the tense moment. security and camp personnel helped to maintain order as bystanders watched with a mix of shock and concern.
the campsite gates were closed promptly, security blocked access, and visitors were funneled through a southern entrance while campers and residents cooperated to cope with the unfolding events.
attending officials described the afternoon as chaotic but marked by a strong sense of community as routine resumes on june 5. the murder, now categorized as a sexist crime, occurred shortly after four p.m. when ana vanessa serén, 44, left work and was later pursued by her former partner, who shot at her and then fled to the mountains before surrendering to the civil guard and eventually taking his own life.
moments of silence and public response
galicia observed a widespread moment of silence at noon as government delegations and representatives gathered to honor the victims of gender-based violence. the delegation in a coruña urged unity in the face of this persistent issue, noting that two victims so far this year symbolize a broader societal challenge. officials stressed the need for continued visibility and action.
the government acknowledged its commitment to all galician women, especially those subjected to violence, and pledged to mobilize every available resource to end gender-based violence. in san caetano, the regional government’s presence echoed this stance, with ministers and administrative staff showing solidarity with the victims.
galician authorities also noted the minister for employment promotion and equality underscored the government’s firm stance against gender-based violence and reminded women that help is available via hotlines and information centers. victims were urged to report abuse as a crucial step in prevention and response.
other institutions joined the tribute, including the galician parliament and the galician federation of municipalities and provinces (fegamp). the moment of remembrance extended to many towns in baixo miño and beyond, including tui and a guarda, reflecting the region’s linkage to the case through the perpetrator’s origins.
this afternoon, a minute of silence was observed at the plaza do concello to honor ana vanesa serén, who was killed over the weekend. members of local councils and civic groups participated in the demonstrations.
afternoon gatherings also featured the march of the women’s world movement of galicia, with rallies planned in dozens of towns across galicia after 8 p.m. across santiago de compostela, ourense, ferrol, lugo, pontevedra, and more. in coruña and vigo, demonstrations took place in prominent public spaces, with numerous towns joining in solidarity.
these acts of remembrance occurred amid a broader wave of solidarity and continued advocacy, spanning many communities from lalín to a guarda, reflecting the region’s collective resolve to address gender-based violence and protect survivors.
notes: the above summary draws on public statements from tsxg, the government delegation for galicia, and regional authorities, with attribution to official sources where cited.