Luis Rubiales could end up in prison – or be fined – because of the kissing affair. But only if the Spanish public prosecutor’s case is admitted to court. This is currently unclear.
In the kissing affair in Spanish women’s football, the public prosecutor’s office has filed a lawsuit against association boss Luis Rubiales for sexual assault. “The public prosecutor’s office requests that Luis Rubiales be heard as the accused and Jenni Hermoso as the victim,” she said on Friday.
A judge at the National Court must now decide whether to grant the prosecutor’s request. If he accepts it, an investigating judge will be appointed to lead an investigation. He may end up recommending a trial or dismissing the case.
Fine or imprisonment for non-consensual kissing
Since a recent reform of the Spanish penal code, a non-consensual kiss can be classified as sexual assault. This can be punished with a fine or up to four years in prison.
After the Spanish national team won the Women’s World Cup final in Sydney on August 20, Rubiales held Hermoso’s head with both hands and kissed her on the mouth. The behavior of the now suspended head of the association sparked international outrage and a crisis in Spanish football. Rubiales assured that the kiss was consensual; Hermoso, on the other hand, has since filed a criminal complaint.
Source: Stern
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