U.S. Mother Sentenced to Over Three Years in Spanish Prison After Escaping Domestic Violence

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PRESS RELEASE: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

U.S. Mother Sentenced to Over Three Years in Spanish Prison After Escaping Domestic Violence

A U.S. mother of two has been sentenced to three years and three months in a Spanish prison after fleeing to the United States with her eldest daughter to escape domestic violence in Spain. Despite returning under the Hague Convention on International Child Abduction, she now faces an unjust conviction that violates fundamental human rights and international legal agreements.

In 2021, a U.S. court order explicitly stated that the father had agreed not to pursue criminal charges or separate the mother from her child upon her return to Spain. However, after her return, the father initiated criminal proceedings, resulting in a conviction that ignored the original agreement and placed the mother in prison.

This case raises serious human rights concerns, including:

  • Violation of Fair Trial Rights – The mother has been denied the right to appeal to Spain’s Supreme Court or have her case re-examined, despite the severe nature of the situation.

  • Forcible Separation from Her Infant – She risks being separated from her eight-month-old baby, whom she was breastfeeding and is the sole carer of. This breaches international protections for family unity and child welfare.

  • Lack of Legal Aid – Without access to legal representation, she has been unable to properly defend herself, further undermining her right to a fair trial.

Legal experts and human rights advocates warn that this case contravenes Spanish constitutional law, the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. The denial of access to her eldest daughter, forced separation of a mother and baby, coupled with the denial of legal recourse, is a violation of fundamental rights and could set a dangerous precedent for victims of domestic violence seeking safety.

Supporters are calling on the Spanish Ministry of Justice to intervene urgently by:

  • Reviewing the case and ensuring the mother’s fundamental rights are upheld.

  • Granting her access to a fair appeal process.

  • Providing immediate legal aid to allow her to properly defend herself.

  • Reconsidering her unjust sentence in light of the humanitarian concerns at stake.

This case is attracting international attention, and failure to act may result in escalation to the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR). Advocates urge authorities to uphold justice, due process, and child welfare protections in this critical case.

For more information, please contact Chandler Stump at write.edit.heal@gmail.com

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Website: hague-mothers.org.uk/

Website: GlobalARRK

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