Spanish prosecutors have officially discontinued an investigation into serious allegations of sexual abuse and human trafficking against the renowned singer Julio Iglesias. This decision, announced on Friday, primarily cited a lack of territorial jurisdiction as the basis for closing the case. Consequently, the two former employees who initiated the complaint now face considerable legal challenges.
The accusations, reportedly occurring in 2021, were brought forward by two women who had previously been employed at Iglesias's Caribbean properties. They submitted a formal complaint to Spain's Audiencia Nacional, detailing experiences they described as "normalised abuse" within a climate of coercion and threats. One accuser, Rebeca, shared distressing accounts with Spanish media, feeling "used almost every night" and likening her situation to being an "object, like a slave." Her specific allegations included non-consensual sexual acts.
Despite the gravity of the claims, which Spanish prosecutors acknowledged could be interpreted as human trafficking for forced labour and crimes against sexual freedom, the investigation was ultimately deemed outside the scope of Spanish courts. Prosecutors concluded that since the alleged offences occurred outside Spain and the complainants were not Spanish nationals or residents, Spanish courts could not assert jurisdiction. The ruling specified that the Dominican Republic and the Bahamas, where the alleged crimes purportedly took place, are the appropriate venues for any future legal proceedings.
The women had reportedly chosen to file their complaint in Spain due to its comprehensive legislation designed to protect victims of gender-based violence and trafficking. However, the legal principle of universal jurisdiction, which permits national courts to prosecute certain egregious crimes irrespective of location or nationality, was found inapplicable in this particular instance due to the complainants' non-Spanish status. Testimony from fifteen former employees, covering a period from the late 1990s to 2023, was reportedly examined during the initial inquiry.
The complainants were identified as young Latin American women in economically and socially vulnerable positions, circumstances that advocacy groups frequently highlight as increasing susceptibility to exploitation. These organizations have stressed the profound seriousness of the alleged acts, emphasizing that they extend beyond sexual misconduct to encompass elements of enforced servitude. While the Spanish investigation has concluded, the complainants retain the option to pursue legal action in either the Dominican Republic or the Bahamas. Nevertheless, the logistical and financial obstacles inherent in seeking justice in foreign jurisdictions present significant hurdles, particularly for individuals in precarious situations.