The trial of four Portuguese nationals accused of rape is set to take place at the Provincial Court of Oviedo, headquartered in Gijon, Asturias, in northern Spain. The incident allegedly occurred during the summer of 2021 while the men were on vacation and met two young women who subsequently accused them of sexual assault.
According to the charges and allegations presented by the Spanish Public Prosecutor’s Office, the young women met two of the Portuguese men in a bar and agreed to have consensual relations with one at their lodgings. However, they were reportedly assaulted by all four men, leading to the current legal proceedings.
The women filed a police report and sought medical attention at a hospital after leaving the accommodation where they claim the assaults occurred. At that time, the accused men were all residents of the Braga region and under 30 years old.
One of the men faces charges for two counts of sexual assault, with the Public Prosecutor requesting a sentence of 10 years imprisonment.
The remaining three face charges of one count of sexual assault each (with one charge involving complicity), with the prosecution seeking sentences ranging from one year and three months to five years.
The women have also joined the case as private prosecutors, demanding prison sentences for the accused ranging from one year and six months to 22 years.
Both the Public Prosecutor and the private prosecution are seeking compensation for the young women for physical and moral damages from the accused, all of whom were under 30 at the time of the incident.
The defense is requesting an acquittal, arguing that all sexual interactions were consensual.
The trial is currently scheduled to have sessions today and on Thursday.
