Julio Iglesias asks Spanish court to dismiss abuse case over jurisdiction

Veteran Spanish singer Julio Iglesias has asked Spanish authorities to dismiss a criminal complaint filed against him by two former employees, arguing Spanish courts have no jurisdiction. In documents submitted to Spain's Audiencia Nacional court, his lawyer stated the alleged incidents occurred at Iglesias's properties in the Dominican Republic and the Bahamas in 2021, not in Spain. The lawyer called for prosecutors to 'immediately close' the preliminary inquiry and end what he described as a media campaign harming the 82-year-old singer's reputation.

The complaint was filed with support from Women's Link Worldwide and Amnesty International. The women, a domestic worker and a physiotherapist, allege sexual abuse, forced labor, and restrictions on their freedom. They claim they worked up to 16 hours daily without days off, had mobile phones checked, and were unable to leave the homes where they worked. The organizations chose Spain for filing due to its legislation on gender-based violence and trafficking, and Iglesias's Spanish nationality. Preliminary investigations could last up to a year.

Iglesias has publicly denied the allegations, calling them 'absolutely false' in an Instagram post and stating he will defend his dignity. The case tests how Spanish courts apply gender-based violence laws to alleged offenses committed abroad, even as Spanish government officials have expressed serious concern about the testimonies.

SOURCE: https://guardian.ng/news/julio-iglesias-challenges-abuse-case-says-spain-has-no-jurisdiction/