Mossos d’Esquadra arrested a 25-year-old man this Thursday, identifying him as the alleged ‘Montjuïc rapist’. This follows a sexual assault on 13 February in the Jardins de Mossèn Costa i Llobera, Barcelona. La Sexta Barcelona reported the suspect was on penitentiary leave at the time of the alleged attack.
Your browser does not support the video tag.
The arrest follows a sexual assault on a woman while she walked her dogs in the Montjuïc gardens. This incident occurred in broad daylight. The victim described her terrifying ordeal, stating, “I thought everything was ending and I told myself, ‘I cannot die, for my daughter’.”
Your browser does not support the video tag.
Suspect’s Criminal History
The 25-year-old suspect has a significant history of sexual assaults. A court had previously convicted him for at least four sexual assaults committed in 2018. At that time, he was still a minor. He received the maximum sentence under juvenile law, which was eight years of internment.
Investigators initially gave the suspect the ‘Montjuïc rapist’ moniker. This was because some of his past assaults occurred in the same Montjuïc area. Montjuïc is a large hill in Barcelona, popular with residents and tourists for its parks and cultural sites. However, he also operated in the Vall d’Hebron area of Barcelona eight years ago.
Similar Modus Operandi
The modus operandi in the latest alleged assault closely mirrors his previous actions. The suspect reportedly grabbed the woman by the neck. He then dragged her along the ground. This method is consistent with the attacks he carried out in 2018.
The suspect’s presence on penitentiary leave during the alleged assault raises serious questions. It highlights concerns about the oversight of individuals with a history of violent crime. This arrest brings a sense of relief to the community. It particularly impacts those who frequent Barcelona’s public parks and green spaces.
Originally published by La Sexta Barcelona. Read original article.
