The couple was discovered in a pilgrim hostel and ended up sentenced for breaking
What seemed like an attempt at reconciliation during the Camino de Santiago ended up becoming a judicial problem. A couple from Verín, in the province of Ourense, has been convicted after carrying out part of the pilgrimage together despite having a reciprocal restraining order that prohibited them from approaching each other.
As it emerged during the judicial process, both were perfectly aware of the restrictions imposed by Justice. However, they decided to meet again and share several stages of the Camino de Santiago, one of the most popular pilgrimage routes in Europe and an important driver of tourism in Galicia.
The situation came to light when the authorities located the couple in the Arzúa pilgrim hostel, one of the most emblematic towns of the French Way before reaching Santiago de Compostela. After verifying that there was a court order in force, both were reported for failing to comply with the imposed measures.
Six months in prison for failing to comply with the court order
During the trial held in Ourense, both the man and the woman admitted that they knew they were violating a judicial resolution. Finally they accepted a sentence of six months in prison for a crime of breaking a sentence. However, the judge agreed to suspend their imprisonment as long as they do not commit crimes again during the next two years.
The case has attracted special attention because it occurred on the Camino de Santiago, an experience that thousands of pilgrims undertake each year seeking reflection, personal improvement, spirituality or new opportunities. On this occasion, however, the trip ended up having legal consequences for its protagonists.
The story has generated numerous comments due to the contradiction between the spirit of encounter and reconciliation that is usually associated with the Camino and the legal obligation that both had to stay away. A situation as unusual as it is striking that once again places the Camino de Santiago in the focus of today.
