A major scandal is unfolding in Spain that could impact public attitudes toward the safety and protection of government employees. At the center of attention is a case of sexual and psychological harassment against a female police officer working at the Spanish embassy in a North African country. According to Ale Espanol, the investigation uncovered numerous incidents of humiliation, threats, and physical abuse by her supervisor and a colleague.
The situation is particularly acute because it occurred within a closed group abroad, where support and protection are especially crucial. Throughout 2023 and 2024, the victim faced insults, intrusive behavior, and ongoing psychological pressure. Colleagues who witnessed the events advised her to report the situation to management, which she eventually did. The case has reached the courts, and the accused now face real prison terms.
Pressure and threats
According to case files, the first warning signs appeared just two months after the woman joined the diplomatic security team. Her supervisor and a colleague began making disparaging remarks and inappropriate jokes. Initially, this happened during informal gatherings after work, but soon escalated into overt harassment and physical contact, which were accompanied by threats and insults.
In one of the incidents described in the court documents, after a group dinner and a game of darts, the supervisor forcibly restrained the woman against a wall, ignoring her protests. A colleague who witnessed the event refused to intervene. On another occasion, in a public place, the accused again made humiliating remarks and attempted physical contact, prompting other employees to step in.
Isolation and harassment
After the victim stopped participating in group activities, the pressure did not cease. She was called offensive nicknames, mocked in work chats, and deliberately assigned the most inconvenient shifts. Even minor work situations were used as a pretext for new attacks. As a result, the woman was left completely isolated, and her psychological state deteriorated.
In May 2023, an incident involving the accused was recorded by police in the host country and forwarded to Spanish authorities. However, according to Ale Espanol, the internal investigation did not result in immediate consequences for the suspects. Only after the victim appealed to senior management in Spain were both men suspended from the diplomatic mission, and the case materials sent to court.
Reaction and consequences
In January 2024, a new incident occurred when one of the defendants encountered a woman in a residential building where embassy staff lived. His aggressive behavior caused her significant fear. After this episode, she finally decided to report the situation to senior management. Both suspects are now awaiting court decisions, and the prosecution is demanding lengthy prison sentences for sexual assault, harassment, and bodily harm.
This case has become one of the most widely discussed in the Spanish media, as it has exposed the lack of adequate protection for police officers against internal threats. According to Ale Espanol, such incidents are not isolated: in recent years, Spain has recorded cases of harassment and pressure within various government institutions. Public attention to the issue is growing, and calls for transparent investigations and stronger support for victims are becoming increasingly urgent.
In recent years, Spain has seen several high-profile cases related to harassment and bullying in the workplace, especially within government and law enforcement agencies. In 2025, there was discussion surrounding an incident at a provincial police academy, where several cadets reported pressure from their instructors. In 2024, one of Madrid’s hospitals investigated complaints of sexual harassment by management. These stories underline the need for systemic solutions and ongoing oversight.
