Wolf Pack Case
A court’s controversial decision to clear five men of gang rape has been upheld by five appeal judges, and the group are now set to go to jail for the lesser offense of sexual abuse.
There were protests across Spain when the men, who became known as the wolf pack were acquitted of rape at the San Firmin bull running festival in Pamploma .. and then later freed on bail.
The appeal judges agreed that the 18-year-old victim was not assaulted as no intimidation or violence was involved.
The case now goes to the Supreme Court.
The case sparked such a wave of revulsion that a committee of experts was formed to reform Spain’s penal code on sexual violence.
The Mayor of Pamploma was among several figures to say that an appeal would be lodged
Protest rallies against the decision were organised in various cities last night
Rail Strike
A NATIONWIDE strike by rail guards and ticket inspectors has been planned for next Friday December 14 and repeat action may be staged over the Christmas period.
Up to 1,800 rail inspectors have been calling for greater job security and for more staff to be taken on to ease their workload.
More and more long-distance, medium-distance and high-speed AVE trains are running without controllers or Guards.
Inspectors complain that the rail board, RENFE and rail infrastructure organisation ADIF are failing to provide the necessary funds for the transport network to run smoothly.
No new jobs have been offered, even after existing rail controllers leave, meaning their numbers are dwindling and so are their working conditions.
International Football
The Football team Boca Juniors of Argentina landed in Madrid yesterday amid tightened security, five days ahead of the upcoming Copa Libertadores final against River Plate.
More than an hour and a half before the Buenos Aires-based squad’s arrival,the national police had arranged a security cordon from the door of the arrival hall in Terminal 1 to the airport’s bus zone.
Drug Bust
A joint Guardia Civil and Customs anti-drug operation seized over 1,250 kilograms of cocaine in the ports of Algeciras and Antwerp in Belgium yesterday and arrested 19 people allegedly belonging to an international smuggling ring.
The ring was allegedly involved in bringing cocaine from South America to Europe, yesterday’s haul came from Ecuador.
The cocaine stash was hidden in tree trunks.