Sexual Assault Cases Rise in Spain's Ceuta Following Migrant Influx
According to prosecutors' data, there has been a significant increase in cases following the migrant influx at the end of July, and the crisis has brought political debates along with it.
Spanish prosecutors announced that 23 sexual assault incidents, including nine involving minors, have been recorded in Ceuta since the major migrant influx at the end of July.
Increase in Sexual Assault Cases
23 sexual assault cases have been recorded in the Spanish autonomous city of Ceuta since the migrant influx at the end of July.
Ceuta's Chief Prosecutor Silvia Rojas stated that this figure corresponds to almost one case every day, and that migrant girls are in a particularly vulnerable position due to their irregular status.
Details of the Migrant Influx
At the end of July, at least 72,000 migrants crossed from Morocco to Ceuta; although most of them returned, around 5,000 people remained in the region.
Children account for between 1,400 and 1,600 of the migrants remaining in the region.
Security Meetings and Measures
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez held a national security council meeting for the second time within a week following the developments.
Minister of Economy Carlos Cuerpo announced that the cabinet approved a multi-million-euro aid package aimed at providing essential services and covering the care of unaccompanied minors.
Political Reactions and Debates
The city's conservative mayor, Juan Jesús Vivas, called on Spaniards to participate in demonstrations in support of Ceuta on Wednesday.
On the other hand, Prime Minister Sánchez made allegations of disinformation on social media fueling the migrant crisis, while these claims were rejected by the countries concerned.