Arrested for sexually assaulting a minor under guardianship at the Olot festivities

BarcelonaThe Mossos d'Esquadra (Catalan police) arrested a 23-year-old man in Olot on Tuesday for allegedly sexually assaulting a minor living in a Generalitat (Catalan Government) Residential Educational Action Center (CRAE). The assault occurred around 1:00 a.m. Friday morning during the Olot Tura festivities. Everything suggests that more than one person could be involved, although sources with access to the case indicate that the attack was allegedly perpetrated by a single person.

The attack on the teenager took place outside the leisure and concert area, and the minor received medical attention from the Medical Emergency System (SEM), the Department of the Interior and Public Security reported in a statement. Following the assault, the investigation unit of the Olot police station took charge of the case and arrested the suspect at 3:00 a.m. on Tuesday in the same municipality. The investigation is currently open, and the man will be brought before a court in the coming hours.

According to sources with access to the case, the minor and the detainee met that night and spent some time together near the parties before the sexual assault took place. Other people were also allegedly present at the time. The assault, which is believed to be rape, took place at some point during the night. The Mossos d'Esquadra are now searching for one or two other people who may have facilitated the attack, but the same sources emphasize that the attack was allegedly an individual. The victim reported the incident, and the Mossos d'Esquadra were able to locate the alleged perpetrator, although the possibility of another person being involved has not been ruled out.

The management team and staff at the CRAE (Central Emergency Medical Center) where the teenager resided learned of the assault in the early hours of September 6 and have been supporting the young woman ever since. The case has also been referred to a Barnahus service so that the minor can receive specialized support from the staff who will accompany her throughout the procedure.

The General Directorate for the Prevention and Protection of Children and Adolescents added that it has been in contact with the CRAE (Center for the Protection of Children and Adolescents) where the girl resides to offer support and gather information on the case. The Generalitat (Catalan Government) also announced that, when the judicial process begins, it will file a private prosecution.