Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Guardian Nigeria
Published on 2024-01-25 15:00:55
A judge in Spain has recommended that former Spanish football chief Luis Rubiales face trial for sexual assault over an incident in which he forcibly kissed Women’s World Cup star Jenni Hermoso. Judge Francisco de Jorge proposed that Rubiales be tried for the non-consensual kiss, while also recommending trial for three others who allegedly pressured Hermoso into making a public statement declaring that the kiss was consensual.
Following his preliminary investigation, the judge found that the kiss was not consensual and was an unexpected move by Rubiales. Rubiales had previously described the act as a consensual peck, but Hermoso has maintained that it was not. The judge also noted that a kiss on the lips affects the sphere of intimacy reserved for sexual relations, particularly between two adults.
The judge also found evidence of a concerted effort by others, including former women’s coach Jorge Vilda, men’s team director Albert Luque, and RFEF marketing boss Ruben Rivera, to persuade Hermoso to make a video stating that the kiss was consensual. This alleged effort to pressure Hermoso could constitute a criminal offense linked to the main offense attributed to Rubiales.
The non-consensual kiss provoked widespread outrage and led to Rubiales’ suspension by FIFA. Under Spanish law, a non-consensual kiss can be considered sexual assault, with penalties ranging from a fine to four years in prison. Hermoso filed a lawsuit against Rubiales in September after facing constant harassment and pressure to defend him.
The judge’s recommendation for trial follows testimony from numerous witnesses, including two-time Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas and two other Spanish teammates, who testified about the pressure faced by Hermoso. The case will now move forward based on the judge’s recommendation for trial.
Read the original article on The Guardian
