A group of children accused of sexually assaulting a 12-year-old girl in Spain have been handed a one-week suspension, as they are under the age of criminal responsibility. The alleged attack involved five or six classmates during a birthday party at a public venue outside their school in Burgos, northern Spain.
Investigation Underway
The incident was first reported to the police last month by the girl's family, prompting an investigation. The girl is reportedly traumatised by the alleged attack, according to Diario de Burgos. Officers confirmed the suspects are aged 11 or 12, but since the age of criminal responsibility in Spain is 14, they cannot face prosecution.
School Response
The accused students were initially expelled but were allowed to return to the classroom one week later. Both the alleged victim and the accused are back in lessons, with the boys being kept separate from other pupils to avoid stigmatisation. Education chiefs in Burgos are aware of the case, and the police report has been sent to the Juvenile Prosecutor's office.
Separate Incident on Cruise Ship
In a separate case, Spanish police are investigating alleged sexual assaults on up to 10 teenage girls on a cruise ship. The girls claim their drinks were spiked. The Civil Guard in Barcelona said the suspects are adults, and an investigation is ongoing. No arrests have been made, but suspects have been identified.
