Expats In Spain Warned Over Increase In Rape And Sexual Assault Cases

Expats and tourists in Spain have been warned about a sudden rise in reported sexual assault and rape.

The United States government has issued a warning to its expat citizens and tourists, urging those living in or visiting Spain to take extra precautions. The warning comes after a steady increase in reported cases of sexual assault including rape. According to media reports, those most at risk are students and younger female visitors as well as expatriate residents. The warning followed the New Year’s Eve rape in Murcia of three American women by three Afghan men, with the trio asked to make claims in front of a judge in order to charge the accused, However, it’s believed the three, one of whom is 18 years old, have already left the country. The three accused are now claiming false arrest and are preparing to file claims to this effect.

Meanwhile, British expats in Marbella who were hoping against hope last year’s deadly gang wars were over were dismayed to hear three gunshots in Nueva Andalucia. One long-term expat resident attempted to leave her house a few minutes later, but police roadblocks prevented her from driving away. Photos she took whilst she was confined in her car for 30 minutes clearly show the closed road with a large group of police standing some 10 metres away. An update in a local expat newspaper confirmed the reported sight of two assassins leaving the scene on a motorbike after failing to kill a third man who is now helping local police with their enquiries. At present, police believe the shots may have been fired as a warning, but are advising expat residents to take care.