The Prosecutor’s Office of Spain’s National Court (Audiencia Nacional) has officially closed its investigation into Julio Iglesias, who was accused of sexual assault and human trafficking. The reason cited is that Spanish courts lack jurisdiction to consider crimes committed outside the country. In this case, the alleged incidents were said to have occurred in the Bahamas and the Dominican Republic.
Two of the singer’s former employees, both foreign nationals, with support from an international feminist organization, filed a complaint with Spanish prosecutors. Their statement included allegations not only of sexual assault but also of labor rights violations. However, neither complainant holds Spanish citizenship or resides in Spain. Moreover, no reports were filed with law enforcement agencies in the countries where, according to their claims, the events took place.
Legal boundaries
The prosecutor’s order emphasizes that neither Julio Iglesias nor any other persons involved in the case reside in Spain or conduct their main activities there. Although the singer owns property in the country, this was not grounds for Spanish courts to consider the case. Spanish law does not allow initiating criminal proceedings for events that occurred abroad if there is no direct connection to Spain.
The document also notes that the authorities of the Bahamas and the Dominican Republic have not relinquished their right to investigate possible crimes on their own territory. This is another argument supporting the notion that the Spanish judiciary cannot intervene in the situation.
Reaction and consequences
The prosecutor’s decision sparked a strong reaction in Spanish society. Many are asking: why did such serious allegations never reach the courts? Some believe that the case might have taken a different course if at least one of the parties had Spanish citizenship or lived in the country. However, the formal legal framework proved to be an insurmountable barrier.
Interestingly, Julio Iglesias himself has not lived in Malaga, where he owns a house, for quite some time. His main life and activities are tied to other countries. According to the prosecution, this circumstance also played a key role in closing the case.
Questions remain unanswered
It is still unclear whether the claimants will turn to the courts in the countries where, according to them, the incidents took place. In Spain, however, the case is officially closed, and no further action from the prosecutor’s office is expected. Nevertheless, public interest in this story is unlikely to subside anytime soon.
The situation involving Julio Iglesias vividly illustrates how international legal nuances can become an insurmountable obstacle even in the most high-profile cases. The Spanish justice system has found itself constrained by formal procedures, sparking considerable debate among experts and ordinary citizens alike.
The editorial team continues to monitor the situation. New details are expected to emerge soon, which could shed light on the future course of this case.
