The National Court Prosecutor’s Office acted swiftly, confirming within three days the identification of the Spanish national football player involved. The office condemned the conduct of Luis Rubiales, criticizing those suspended for offenses against the president of the Royal Football Association, including sexual assault and other coercive actions. The central court is the same body charged with prosecuting crimes committed by Spaniards abroad.
The prosecution laid out its statements clearly: sexual assault, defined and punished under Article 178 of the Penal Code, is prosecutable as already known. It also charged coercion under Article 172, which carries a penalty of six months to three years in prison or a judicial fine of 12 to 24 months depending on the severity and method used. The penalty range for sexual assault is typically one to four years in prison.
In legal terms, the office stated that no acts of kissing were permitted when Rubiales presented a gift to the actress Jennifer Hermoso. He held her head with both hands during the trophy ceremony, thanking the members of the Spanish Women’s Football Team after their World Cup victory in Sydney, Australia, on 20 August.
Rubiales sentenced to double her daughters’ pension for a significant increase in income
When Rubiales appeared before the prosecutor, accompanied by counsel, on a recent date, the prosecution openly condemned the events that occurred without consent. This stance was a pivotal moment for pursuing justice against Rubiales.
Abuse
Hermoso reported that she and her family faced constant and repeated pressure from Rubiales and his professional circle to validate the facts. The attorney noted that such pressure could amount to coercion. The complaint claims this campaign harmed public peace, tranquility, and the free development of life by suggesting penalties against the player.
The complaint, filed by the national court’s attorney general, calls for statements from Rubiales under investigation and from victim Jenni Hermoso. It also asks Australian authorities to provide information on the criminalization of offenses against sexual freedom in criminal law.
Nevertheless, the prosecution clarified that Hermoso has not condemned the events in the country where the complaint originated, nor is there evidence that a criminal investigation has begun in Australia or Spain, though multiple complaints have been filed with the Prosecutor’s Office regarding Rubiales’ conduct.
The case references the Council of Europe Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence Against Women and Domestic Violence, signed in Istanbul. The office affirmed its agreement with the convention and stated that the law applies to all forms of violence against women, including human rights violations and gender-based discrimination. It covers acts that cause physical, sexual, psychological, or economic harm, including threats, coercion, or deprivation of liberty, whether in public or private life, to safeguard the rights and safety of women.