Police Detain Young Man Accused of Sexually Assaulting 13-Year-Old Girl in Andorra
Authorities acted quickly on the family's complaint, activating minor protocols at a hospital. The non-EU suspect faces flight risk concerns in the open probe.
Key Points
- Andorran police arrested a man in his early 20s from Latin America on Friday after a 13-year-old girl's family reported the assault.
- The girl met the suspect via social media; medical exams confirmed digital penetration without consent.
- Suspect appeared before Batllia judge Saturday and was released on conditional liberty with passport surrender.
- Investigation ongoing; no evidence beyond victim's account, suspect presumed innocent.
Police detain young man accused of sexual assault on 13-year-old girl in Andorra
Andorran police arrested a man in his early twenties on Friday afternoon following a complaint from the family of a 13-year-old girl alleging sexual assault. The suspect, a recent resident in the country for about a month and originally from Latin America, was brought before the on-duty Batllia on Saturday.
Authorities acted swiftly after the girl's family reported the incident that morning. The teenager had reportedly told her parents what happened shortly after the alleged encounter, leading them to seek medical attention at a hospital. There, protocols for minors were activated, including medical examinations that reportedly confirmed digital penetration against her will. Investigators noted that the pair had connected via social media, building enough trust to meet in person, where the situation escalated into physical contact.
Police transferred the case file to judicial authorities late Friday. On Saturday morning, pre-constituted evidence was gathered from the victim to avoid re-victimization in future proceedings. The man appeared before the Batllia that afternoon, where the judge assessed the situation amid concerns over the case's sensitivity and the suspect's short time in Andorra, raising flight risk issues.
By Saturday evening, around 9pm, the Batllia released him on conditional liberty with charges. Measures include surrendering his passport—complicated further as a non-EU citizen—and mandatory appearances before authorities as required. Sources indicated no conclusive evidence beyond the girl's account, despite her age making consent legally impossible. The judge ordered additional inquiries to clarify circumstances.
Police have described the matter as highly sensitive, emphasizing victim privacy protocols. The investigation remains open, with the suspect presumed innocent until proven otherwise. Further steps will determine the case's progression.