Tens of thousands of people have gone to streets in Spain in protest against a misuse judgment. They demonstrated against decision of a court of Pamplona to acquit five men of accusation of rape. Instead, defendants were sentenced to nine years in prison for "sexual abuse." The public Prosecutor's Office had requested a verdict on rape and almost 23 years in prison.

In July 2016, 27 to 29 year old men in a house entrance had sex with an 18-year-old, whom y had met shortly before at celebrations at edge of bull-bustle of Pamplona. They filmed way y went to young woman and shared recordings on WhatsApp as well. The defense argued that it had acted on amicable sex, and pleaded acquittal. "Sexual abuse", according to Spanish law, in contrast to criminal offence of "sexual assault", means no "violence" or "intimidation".

In Pamplona alone, according to police figures, between 32,000 and 35,000 people went to streets on Saturday. They marched under motto There is no sexual abuse, it is rape through city. Since sentencing on Thursday, re have been demonstrations against verdict in several cities in Spain. Many of demonstrators criticized in particular that one of three judges had pleaded for a acquittal of five men.

More than 1.2 million people have now signed a protest petition, in which Spain's Supreme Court is called upon to remove three judges responsible for judgment of office. However, Chairman of Supreme Court, Carlos Lesmes, defended judges: y had "meticulously" analyzed evidence, he declared on Friday.

The prosecutor's Office announced appeal against controversial verdict. The Spanish government wants to examine possible criminal law reform.

Date Of Update: 29 April 2018, 12:02