Courtroom evacuated after suspended ceiling panel shifts during rape trial

Magistrates, lawyers, expert witnesses, the accused and members of the public were evacuated from Courtroom 6 at the Court of Corts this morning after a panel in the room’s suspended ceiling shifted by a few centimetres — reports put the movement at about 10 cm. The supports held and the panel did not drop completely, but the loud noise and sudden movement prompted an immediate stoppage of the hearing.

Maintenance technicians from the High Council of Justice and workers from a specialist firm inspected the ceiling, and Josep Maria Rossell, president of the judicial management body, also checked the roof’s condition. The courtroom was cleared while operatives carried out a more detailed review of the structure.

Staff began preparing another court chamber so the trial of a masseur accused of two rapes could continue. Because the proceedings require simultaneous translation — the accused and several witnesses speak French — the necessary technical equipment must be installed and was not immediately available, so the resumption of the hearing will be delayed.