The Provincial Court of the Balearic Islands has been judging since this Wednesday three Cuban men accused of sexually assaulting a young Dutch woman in August 2021. The prosecution is seeking nine years in prison for each and €75,000 in compensation.
The Provincial Court of the Balearic Islands is hosting since this Wednesday the trial against three Cuban men accused of a brutal collective sexual assault on a 19-year-old Dutch tourist. The events occurred in August 2021 in a hotel room in Playa de Palma, when the victim was left alone with them after a night out.
According to the prosecution's indictment, the three defendants met the young woman and two friends in several nightclubs in the area. After drinking, they all moved to the men's room to continue the evening. There, one of the friends had consensual relations with one of the accused.
Around 4:30 in the morning, the two friends left for the hotel where they were staying. However, they mistakenly took the victim's mobile phone, believing she had already left. The young woman was left isolated and alone with the three men.
Upon leaving the bathroom and realising her friends were not there, the tourist felt scared and returned to the toilet for safety. It was then that one of the accused entered, began to kiss her against her will, and raped her. The other two joined in the assault, according to the accusation.
After the attack, the victim was treated urgently at Son Llàtzer hospital. Doctors took samples to rule out sexually transmitted diseases and administered preventive treatment against HIV. The medical report noted multiple bruises on her arms, legs, and hip.
As a direct consequence of the assault, the young woman suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder that has required ongoing psychological and psychiatric treatment since 2021. The aftermath includes recurrent nightmares and difficulties concentrating, as noted in the judicial documentation.
The prosecution qualifies the events as a continued crime of sexual abuse and requests a nine-year prison sentence for each accused, as well as a joint compensation of €75,000 for moral damages and consequences. The trial, which is expected to be lengthy, is being held in the first section of the Provincial Court.
The case has shocked the tourist community on the island, especially in the Playa de Palma area, where numerous hotels and leisure venues are concentrated. The assault highlights the vulnerability of young tourists travelling alone or in groups and the security measures in hotel establishments.
The oral hearing is being conducted behind closed doors to protect the victim's privacy, who will appear as a protected witness. The accused, who face prison sentences, have remained on provisional release during these five years awaiting trial.
The case has been closely followed by feminist groups and support organisations for victims of sexual violence in the Balearics. The verdict is not expected for several weeks, once the court evaluates the evidence and testimonies.
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