A couple was taken into custody in Almeria after authorities uncovered a plan that sought to marry off a 15-year-old girl to her cousin in her hometown. The girl, who is 11 years younger than her rumored groom, was among those arrested, with the incident also involving other family members who were part of the arranged alliance. The Civil Guard reported that the minor was confined to her home, only allowed to go to school, while being subjected to repetitive household chores as a form of retaliation for alleged disobedience.
According to the Armed Institute, three individuals face multiple charges, including human trafficking for the purpose of forced marriage, attempted forced marriage, domestic abuse, injuries, and gender-based violence. The group detained includes the couple who allegedly pushed for the union and their cousins, described as the young man’s suitors, both 11 years older than the girl. The case underscores a pattern of coercive control and coercion within the household, as observed by investigators.
Residents reported that the girl had limited mobility and was kept under constant supervision, effectively isolating her from peers at school and restricting social contact. She was compelled to follow her parents’ directives about her appearance and daily routine, with the surrounding family dynamic designed to prevent conversations with other children or relatives beyond the home.
The girl was allegedly married at her family residence, a dwelling with six occupants who were responsible for all domestic tasks. The Civil Guard provided a detailed account of the events, noting a range of threats and pressures employed to ensure compliance with the arrangement.
The family reportedly relocated to their country of origin to celebrate the engagement during the previous summer, with the intention of completing the marriage in that country before the end of summer 2023. Spanish law regards such arrangements as illegal when they involve a minor, and authorities are pursuing the case through formal judicial channels.
Following the marriage, it was planned that the minor would be transferred to the Alicante province to reside with her prospective husband. Reports indicate that the fiancé supplied the young woman with a mobile phone to maintain communication with her future spouse, effectively maintaining lines of contact in the face of parental opposition.
According to the armed institution, the man repeatedly pressured the girl after she began living with him, insisting on meeting the household’s domestic needs and enforcing a tightly controlled living situation. The ongoing legal proceedings involve the three detained individuals, who were brought before the Criminal Court of First Instance and are part of Instruction 2 in Ejido, Almeria, where procedures are continuing.
The case highlights the state’s stance against forced marriage and domestic abuse, reaffirming that vulnerable minors must be protected from coercive practices that exploit familial authority or cultural expectations. Authorities emphasize that any attempt to coerce a minor into marriage, or to transport her across borders for such purposes, will be treated as criminal offenses with serious consequences for those involved.