Sexual assaults happening almost every day in Ceuta, prosecutors say
Most migrants have returned to neighbouring Morocco, but as many as 5,000 remain in the Spanish exclave.
Spanish prosecutors allege that 23 sexual assaults, including nine against children, have occurred in Ceuta since the arrival of migrants in July. Chief prosecutor Silvia Rojas stated that there was nearly one case per day, with migrant girls being particularly vulnerable due to their irregular status. At least 72,000 migrants crossed from Morocco into Ceuta on July 30 and 31, with around 5,000 still present, leading to unrest and a crisis for Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez.
The suspected attackers include four Moroccans, three Spaniards, and a Belgian, according to Efe news agency. The influx has resulted in scenes of violence and tension between migrants and locals. Many victims are hesitant to file reports due to fear and their current situation. The Spanish Society of Epidemiology highlighted the challenges in detecting and addressing violence against migrant women and girls.
One 24-year-old Moroccan woman told the BBC she risked her life to reach Ceuta and was sexually assaulted while sleeping with a group of men and women. Emergency doctor Susana Ascaso reported treating several sexual assault victims, including a 10-year-old. A multi-million euro aid package has been approved to provide services and care for unaccompanied children.
The conservative mayor of Ceuta, Juan Jesús Vivas, called for demonstrations in support of the city. The Spanish government faces criticism for its handling of the crisis, with the hard-right Vox party accusing Prime Minister Sánchez of ceding control. Arantxa Campos, president of the Ceuta Employers Confederation, stated that without the migrants leaving, there is nothing they can do.
The government plans to have King Felipe VI visit Ceuta soon to assert Spanish authority, following a previous visit in 2007 that prompted Rabat to withdraw its ambassador. Sánchez emphasized that no intelligence reports implicated Morocco in the surge of migrants, attributing the issue to disinformation on social media from Russia, Israel, and a far-right international movement.
The opposition People's Party accused Sánchez of exonerating Morocco and pointing fingers elsewhere. Morocco denies involvement in the mass crossing.
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