The National Police investigates the events that occurred in a location in the historic center of the city
A 39-year-old New Zealand pilgrim who walks the Camino de Santiago has reported having been the victim of an alleged sexual assault in a nightlife establishment located in the historic center of Lion. The complaint was presented to the National Police and the authorities have confirmed that the investigation remains open to clarify what happened.
According to the information released, the events would have occurred during the pilgrim's stay in the Leonese capital, one of the most important stages of the French Way. The woman later recounted what happened in a letter sent to various institutions, in addition to formalizing the corresponding complaint to the security forces.
According to his testimony, the situation occurred while he was sharing a night out with other pilgrims. The complainant claims that there were several non-consensual physical contacts by two men who were in the premises. After realizing the situation, he expressed his rejection and decided to report the facts.
The Government Subdelegation in León has confirmed the existence of the complaint and has indicated that the National Police is working to determine the exact circumstances of what happened. At the moment no further official details have been released because the procedure is still in the investigation phase.
The news has generated concern among some pilgrims and Jacobean associations, especially because León is one of the cities with the largest influx of walkers from around the world. Every year tens of thousands of people cross the province following the historic routes to Santiago de Compostela.
At the same time, the authorities remember that the Camino de Santiago remains one of the safest pilgrimage routes in Europe. Special surveillance and security devices have recently been reinforced on the main sections of the Camino as it passes through León with the aim of protecting the thousands of pilgrims who travel the route during the high season.
The investigation remains open and the competent authorities will be the ones to determine the responsibilities that may arise from the reported events. Meanwhile, the case has reopened the debate about the importance of maintaining security, prevention and support measures for pilgrims who make the Camino de Santiago, especially those who travel alone.
