During a routine ruling on Tuesday, a magistrate ordered the temporary detention of three young individuals of Dominican origin in connection with alleged sexual assaults reported last weekend in Vigo. The alleged assault reportedly involved a female victim who was in the Areal drinking district when the incident occurred, with the events possibly taking place in an apartment located on Travesía de Vigo. The victim received medical attention at the Álvaro Cunqueiro Hospital in Vigo, where a forensic doctor engaged the health and police protocols established for sexual assault cases. Authorities are reviewing recordings from mobile devices as part of the investigation, and the National Police is conducting the arrests while the suspects deny the accusations. The case is currently before the Vigo Investigation Court No. 8, which has a duty session ongoing to determine the appropriate next steps. The investigation continues with the aim of clarifying the facts and establishing accountability.
The alleged events are described as occurring in the early hours between Saturday and Sunday. The individuals who were later detained reportedly met that night and moved to an apartment in Travesía de Vigo, a residence linked to at least one of the alleged attackers. Spanish police officers from the Vigo police station arrested the suspects on Sunday, transferring them to the Álvaro Cunqueiro police station before they appeared before the Vigo Investigation Court No. 8 on Tuesday morning. Court records indicate that the defendants pleaded not guilty during the proceedings.
Following initial statements given to the investigating judge, a long day of hearings unfolded under the procedures outlined in the Code of Criminal Procedure, including preventive detention considerations based on the seriousness of the alleged crimes and the potential penalties facing a future trial. Defense attorneys presented their arguments, seeking the release of their clients. By eight in the evening, the judge’s decision aligned with the Public Prosecutor’s Office, ordering the defendants to remain in custody while the investigation continues. The scene at the courthouse saw family members waiting throughout the day, delivering narrow suitcases upon learning the outcomes. A National Police vehicle then transported the detainees back to the police station, with the next steps involving a Civil Guard transfer to a detention facility anticipated for the following day.
Experts expect the case to progress through the court system, possibly moving to the seventh court, which handled the events on the night in question since it was on duty at the time. This means additional appearances before the presiding magistrate of that court may be necessary to determine whether the prison measures originally approved will stand or be adjusted as the process unfolds. The developing case underscores ongoing concerns about sexual violence in urban environments and the importance of a thorough legal process that respects the rights of all parties involved.
more cases
Sexual offenses have risen in Vigo over recent years, with multiple assailants involved in several prosecutions. One notable case from August 2020 involved two teenagers who assaulted a young woman they encountered at a tavern. Reportedly, the attackers took advantage of the victim’s intoxication to leave her incapacitated, while they filmed the incident on a mobile device. The video circulated on social media, highlighting the broader concerns about online distribution of such material and its impact on victims. These cases illustrate the complexity of proving coercion and consent in nighttime social settings and the legal challenges in addressing them promptly and justly.
Another ongoing investigation concerns two individuals of Senegalese origin who are accused of raping an 18-year-old at an apartment in Torrecedeira in December 2021. The incident reportedly began after the victim and the suspects met at a local cocktail bar. A witness who resided near the location heard the victim cry out for help and later recall a confrontation in which the alleged attackers claimed the relations were consensual. Investigators are continuing to gather evidence to determine the veracity of these statements, while the court weighs provisional detention measures as part of the ongoing inquiry. The case remains a focal point in discussions about sexual violence, consent, and the responsibilities of witnesses in public safety scenarios. [Cited from court proceedings and public records, attribution provided.]