Andorra Police Release Man Charged with Sexually Assaulting 13-Year-Old Girl
A man recently arrived in Andorra was conditionally released after his arrest for allegedly assaulting a 13-year-old girl he met online. Authorities seized his passport amid flight risk concerns.
Key Points
- Young Latin American man in his early 20s arrested Friday after meeting girl via social media.
- Girl's family filed complaint; medical exam showed digital penetration against her will.
- Suspect released Saturday evening with passport seized and orders to attend proceedings.
- Investigation ongoing with emphasis on victim's welfare and presumption of innocence.
Police in Andorra have released a young man on conditional terms after his arrest on suspicion of sexually assaulting a 13-year-old girl.
Authorities detained the man, a Latin American in his early twenties who had lived in the principality for just one month, on Friday afternoon following a complaint filed by the girl's family that morning. The two had connected through social media, building enough trust to meet in person, where the encounter allegedly turned physical.
The girl reportedly told her family about the incident soon after it occurred, leading them to seek medical attention at a hospital. Protocols for minors were activated there, and police moved quickly, gathering statements and evidence before transferring the case file to the on-duty Batllia that same evening.
On Saturday morning, pre-constituted evidence—designed to avoid re-traumatising the victim—was collected. The suspect appeared before the Batllia later that day. Sources described the matter as highly sensitive given the girl's age, noting that consent would not apply regardless of her account that she had resisted the contact.
Medical findings reportedly indicated digital penetration against her will, though no other strong corroborating evidence emerged beyond her statement.
By Saturday evening, shortly after 9pm, the Batllia released the man with charges pending. To mitigate flight risk—considering his recent arrival and non-EU status—the judge seized his passport and ordered him to present himself for all required judicial proceedings. Further inquiries will continue to clarify the circumstances.
Police have emphasised the ongoing nature of the investigation while stressing the presumption of innocence. Protocols prioritised the victim's welfare and anonymity throughout.