An incident in Catalonia has once again raised questions about prisoners’ rights and approaches to gender identity in Spanish prisons. Joan Vila Dilmé, convicted for the murders at the Olot nursing home, has begun transitioning to a female identity, leading to a transfer to the women’s unit at Puig de les Basses prison (Figueres). This move is a significant moment for the region’s correctional system, reflecting ongoing changes in the treatment of transgender inmates and their right to self-determination.
As reported by El Pais, Vila Dilmé, who now goes by the name Aura, has been undergoing gender transition for more than a year, under psychological supervision and with support from feminist organizations. The issue of transferring inmates according to their gender identity has come up before in Spain, but such cases continue to spark debate among experts and the public. Catalan authorities emphasize that they are following current regulations, and decisions on transfers are made based on recommendations from medical and social services.
Transition and prison conditions
The process of gender transition for inmates in Spain involves consultations with specialists and support from the prison administration. In Aura’s case, the decision to transition was made after extended therapy and discussions with psychologists. According to El Pais, even during the investigation and trial, Vila Dilmé reported an internal conflict related to gender identity and submitted expert opinions on the matter. After the transition began, the inmate was initially moved to a separate small unit to ensure that the adaptation process was as safe and appropriate as possible for all parties involved.
Aura is currently in the women’s wing of the prison, where she continues to serve her sentence without any leniency or authorized leave. Her appearance and clothing style have also changed, as confirmed by sources in the penitentiary system. The prison administration emphasizes that such decisions are made individually, with guidance provided by specialized professionals. If surgery is needed, the matter is addressed jointly with the health department of Catalonia.
Reaction and regulations
The Catalonia Department of Justice declined to share details of the specific case but emphasized that such situations are not unique to the region. Spain has a specific protocol regulating the transfer of inmates based on their gender identity. For each case, a working group of specialists is assembled to assess risks and needs for both the individual and others within the facility. Importantly, the final decision is made in line with medical recommendations and after consultations with relevant organizations.
In recent years, Spain has seen a rise in requests from inmates seeking to change gender or modify incarceration conditions due to their gender identity. This mirrors broader trends across European countries, where transgender rights issues are becoming increasingly prominent. According to El Pais, in Aura’s case, the process involved support not only from professionals but also from feminist organizations, which has also become a topic of discussion among experts.
Context and similar cases
Issues related to prison conditions and inmate rights regularly attract public attention in Spain. For example, there was recent debate about mass layoffs in major companies, which also impacts the social sphere and sparks discussions over the fairness of such decisions — more on this in the article on how these changes affect the labor market. The penitentiary system in Catalonia has previously seen cases where inmates changed their gender identity and were transferred to other units. However, each case is reviewed individually and accompanied by an expert assessment.
In recent years, Europe—and Spain in particular—has seen a rise in requests related to gender identity among inmates. In 2025, a prison in Madrid also recorded a case of a convict changing their gender, sparking widespread discussion in the media and among human rights advocates. Overall, the practice of transferring inmates according to their gender identity is gradually becoming standard, though it remains controversial and requires further regulatory clarification. In Catalonia, such decisions are made following expert recommendations and in close cooperation with medical services.
