A high-profile case has concluded in Catalonia: the former head of a Mossos d’Esquadra unit has stood trial for systematically harassing a subordinate who exercised her legal right to reduce her working hours to care for her infant. The court found him guilty of harassment, sentencing him to six months in prison and temporarily suspending him from duty.
The story began back in 2013, when Elena (name changed) returned to work after maternity leave. Instead of her usual position in the forensic science department, she was reassigned to routine administrative tasks. The new supervisor, who had taken over during her absence, immediately made it clear he did not support her decision to work part-time. From that moment, a prolonged period of humiliation and isolation began, lasting two years.
She was stripped of her former responsibilities, relocated to a separate office, and then moved to a different floor, leaving her cut off from the team. She was kept out of meetings, given no assignments, and in private conversations the supervisor would make offensive and sexist remarks. Over time, Elena developed severe psychological issues that were later officially recognized as an occupational illness.
In 2015, the situation reached its peak: after yet another humiliating conversation, the woman suffered a severe nervous breakdown and was hospitalized. Soon after, she decided to take the matter to court, despite resistance from management and attempts to cover it up. During the proceedings, it became clear that the supervisor’s behavior was not an isolated incident—other employees had also experienced his aggression and discrimination.
The Supreme Court of Spain upheld the sentence, noting that the officer’s actions were systematic and aimed at punishing the woman for asserting her rights. In addition to the criminal penalty, the victim was awarded compensation; however, for her, the decision brought only partial relief after years of struggle. Elena’s career was ruined and her health undermined. The former officer now works in the private sector, having left the Mossos d’Esquadra.
