A trial is underway in the Second Division of Valencia County Court this week, involving two young men aged 22 and 25 who face a potential conviction after allegations tied to an incident at a prominent Valencia nightclub in September 2019. The case has drawn attention to serious charges concerning sexual assault and the harm reported by the victim.
The Valencia Provincial Prosecutor’s Office is seeking a sentence of up to 42.5 years in prison for each defendant. They are charged with three counts of sexual assault, one as the principal offender and two as a necessary collaborator, along with related psychological injuries claimed by the victim. The prosecution also requests restitution totaling 15,290 euros to address the injuries and ongoing post traumatic stress, with the prosecutor proposing that the victim provide testimony via video conference to minimize the risk of re-victimization.
The alleged offenses are said to have occurred between 5 and 6 am in access corridors and within the nightclub toilets, with the defendants accompanied at times by two other individuals whose exact role could not be clearly defined in the indictment.
According to the prosecutors, the victim was approached by one of the defendants who purportedly asked for a friend’s assistance, then restrained the victim’s wrist and pulled her toward the men’s restroom. In a cornered area, additional individuals were waiting as alleged participants.
The indictment describes that one unidentified person with the defendant forcefully grabbed the victim, placed hands on her chest, and pressed her against a wall, after which several individuals allegedly carried out sexual actions. The account indicates the victim was surrounded by two defendants and an unidentified third party, with the encounter continuing as others allegedly restrained and watched.
Reported cries from the victim are said to have been met with physical restraint by two defendants and another unidentified person who allegedly dragged her toward a bathroom cabinet and forced her to perform sexual acts. The description continues with the defendants allegedly removing the victim from the cabinet, continuing acts of assault, and finally leaving the scene after a physical confrontation that included a trip and fall.
The victim sustained injuries to the head, chest, hips, knees, feet, and ankles, along with edema in the vaginal area. Forensic evaluation also notes significant psychological harm, including severe post-traumatic stress. Authorities have advised that the victim testify via videoconference at the hearing to avoid further victimization.
The defendants were held in precautionary detention from October 1, 2019, to November 12, 2019, as the case proceeded toward trial. The court will hear the matter in the coming days as prosecutors seek accountability for the alleged actions and the lasting impact on the victim.