Ceuta prosecutors report 23 sexual assaults since migrant influx

Spanish prosecutors have recorded 23 sexual assaults, including nine against minors, in the autonomous city of Ceuta since a large number of migrants entered the territory from Morocco in late July. The figure equates to nearly one case per day, according to Ceuta's chief prosecutor, Silvia Rojas.

In an interview with the newspaper El País, Rojas said migrant girls are 'particularly vulnerable because of their irregular status in the territory'. She also noted that many victims did not file official complaints, either out of fear or due to their uncertain legal situation in Ceuta.

The influx began on 30 and 31 July, when at least 72,000 people crossed into Ceuta from Morocco. While most have since returned, an estimated 5,000 remain, including between 1,400 and 1,600 children, according to Rojas. The situation has led to unrest in the city and created a political challenge for Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez.

Recent days have seen scenes of violence as tensions have risen between some migrants and local residents. In response, Sánchez convened the national security council for the second time in a week on Tuesday to address the crisis.

Spanish news agency Efe reported that among the suspected attackers in the sexual assault cases are four Moroccans, three Spaniards and one Belgian. The Spanish Society of Epidemiology has cautioned that violence against women 'cannot be considered an isolated event'.

Economy Minister Carlos Cuerpo said the cabinet had approved a multi-million euro aid package to provide essential services and support for unaccompanied children. The package is intended to help Ceuta manage the immediate pressures caused by the migrant presence.

Ceuta's conservative mayor, Juan Jesús Vivas, has called on Spaniards to attend demonstrations across mainland Spain on Wednesday in support of the city, which is also its annual holiday. The Spanish government faces criticism from opponents over its handling of the situation. The hard-right Vox party accused Sánchez of having 'handed over' Ceuta rather than losing control of it.

Local business leaders have expressed frustration with the lack of a clear plan. Arantxa Campos, president of the Ceuta Employers' Confederation, told the BBC: 'We can't do anything unless these people leave. We don't have a plan from the government. We don't have anything. We don't even know when they're going to finish screening everyone.'

The situation in Ceuta highlights broader challenges related to migration management and the protection of vulnerable groups, particularly women and children, during times of crisis. Authorities continue to work on screening and providing assistance, but local officials and residents demand more concrete measures.