In Spain, the issue of protecting minors is once again under discussion following an unexpected twist in the case of a 14-year-old girl from Navarra. A court decision to reopen the investigation into her sale by her family has sparked widespread public outcry. The situation raises not only questions about criminal prosecution but also casts doubt on the effectiveness of existing child protection mechanisms in the country.
The court panel in Navarra deemed the closure of the case premature, involving the transfer of the girl from her family in Corella to another family in Mollerussa (Lleida) for €5,000. According to the judges, there are strong grounds to believe that the minor was a victim of human trafficking and was forced into marriage with a 21-year-old man. Although the girl herself denied being coerced and claimed she moved voluntarily, the judges emphasized that the victim’s age does not allow her statements to be sufficient reason to dismiss the case.
Risk for the child
The court ruling notes that the situation poses a clear threat to the safety and well-being of the girl. The judges insist on the need for special protection given the possible human trafficking and psychological pressure. The document stresses that victim protection is not confined to procedural parameters and does not depend on her stance during the investigation.
The case was previously closed after the girl refused to identify herself as a victim and denied the fact of a forced marriage. However, the judges believe that at such a young age, a minor’s independent decision cannot be considered final. The law on the protection of crime victims requires that support be provided regardless of the victim’s stance during proceedings.
Evidence and Details
One of the key points was the absence of direct evidence of money changing hands—€5,000 and five bottles of whisky, which investigators claim the parents received for the girl. Nevertheless, the judges found the gathered materials sufficient to continue the investigation. Of particular interest were photographs showing the minor together with the alleged husband and his relatives during the wedding celebration.
Besides the possible forced marriage, the case includes other episodes. According to police, the girl was repeatedly seen begging and even suspected of petty theft in various cities across the province of Lleida. Her new guardians claimed to be relatives, while her parents allegedly could not come due to work commitments. Meanwhile, they had the girl’s birth certificate in their possession, which they presented to the police.
Rights Violations
Another concerning fact was the girl’s absence from school. The court reminded that violating the right to education can result not only in administrative fines but also in criminal liability for the parents. If this situation persists, the minor could be declared at risk and placed under the care of social services.
The case also features a witness who provided important information about the alleged husband’s family, as well as photos from the ceremony. This person informed investigators about the deal amount and the girl’s whereabouts, but later received threats from the minor’s relatives. The court ordered that the witness be questioned and measures taken to ensure their safety.
New developments in the investigation
The court ruling provides for additional investigative actions at the request of the prosecutor’s office. The Catalonia police (Mossos d’Esquadra) must submit new materials to determine whether the family from Mollerussa is involved in criminal activity and what their sources of income are. In addition, Corella social services must prepare a detailed report on the girl’s family situation, environment, and living conditions.
This case once again raises questions about how effectively children’s rights are protected in Spain and how authorities and the justice system respond to such incidents. Public attention to the case remains high, and its outcome may impact future decisions in similar situations.
