Two families recount a troubling pattern of intimidation and humiliation by underage groups at Sama Park in Asturias. A thirteen-year-old girl and her friends were subjected to threats, forced kneeling, and ridicule, while others endured similar coercion in the same public space. Local authorities have increased police presence, yet residents insist that more robust measures are necessary to restore safety and calm in the area.
The National Police documented the events on April 22, but the girl disclosed the ordeal to her family only after a month. The family explains that threats deterred her from speaking out, and she is now reluctant to leave home. On this occasion, three additional young children approached the group, and witnesses describe humiliating acts such as being forced to buy small trinkets with their own money, being made to watch others eat, and being photographed while kneeling. Since the attackers were under fourteen, police could not arrest them, but they identified those involved and reported the case to the Juvenile Prosecutor’s Office, which ultimately archived the matter due to the attackers’ age. The case has not ended, as several more complaints have since been filed, and some parents worry about retaliation if they pursue action. They view formal complaints as a necessary step even though they fear consequences for themselves and their children.
Another report involves events at the park’s sports field on April 5. A fourteen-year-old boy and two friends were playing when a newer participant joined and agreed to play. After a brief absence, the newcomer returned, aggressive and silent, and targeted one of the friends with a strike, pulling him to his knees and demanding an apology. The assailant then demanded money and warned the boys not to speak of the incident. The families involved chose to file a police report the following day, joining other parents who had experienced harm and sought accountability. The incident prompted conversations among families about safety and restraint in telling trusted authorities what happened to their children.
The alleged aggressor in this case is described as a relative of the initial group, possibly a sibling or cousin. Families note that the number of youths implicated may be wider still. As with the earlier report, law enforcement could identify the individual and inform the Juvenile Prosecutor’s Office, but no formal lawsuit has been pursued and the investigation appears ongoing. The broader pattern raise concerns about how to deter young offenders and protect victims while respecting juvenile justice processes.
Complaint
Parents believe filing formal complaints is the primary avenue to halt these attacks, but uncertainty remains about how to effectively address the problem beyond the legal route. The shared sentiment is that children now hesitate to gather at the park or participate in group activities. Some families have enrolled their children in private accommodations to ensure a safer environment. Officials from the National Police and the Langreo City Council have stated that police presence in the park is increasing, but they acknowledge that a continuous, round-the-clock patrol is not feasible. Recurrent visits by known youths to the park complicate efforts, as they arrive and depart in patterns that seem to evade constant surveillance.
In response, parents have launched a petition across local shops and cafés to bolster security measures around Sama Park. The aim is to mobilize community support for safer spaces where children can play and socialize without fear. The petitions reflect a collective demand for stronger preventive measures, clearer reporting channels, and greater coordination among schools, families, and public safety authorities. As residents advocate for safer access and visible protection, they emphasize that the issue requires sustained attention from civic leadership and law enforcement alike. These efforts illustrate a community trying to reclaim its public spaces and restore trust in the safety of local neighborhoods, even as the legal process continues to unfold in separate cases. [citation]