Prosecutors Point to Criminal Organization in Ceuta Crisis Despite Police Rejection

Spain’s public prosecutor’s office has laid the groundwork for a possible investigation into the mass entry into Ceuta from Morocco on July 30 and 31. Nearly 80,000 people crossed the border by swimming or on foot, and 82 died in the attempt.

After reviewing reports from the National Police and Civil Guard, prosecutors said they had found enough indications to justify opening a case. National Court judge María Tardón is expected to decide next week, and the article says she is likely to proceed.

Jesús Alonso, chief prosecutor at the National Court, took personal control of the matter this week and removed the prosecutor initially assigned to it. Prosecutors argue that the National Court has jurisdiction because the events may have been conceived, planned and orchestrated in Morocco, while their execution and intended result occurred in Spanish territory.

The prosecution is focusing on the possibility of a criminal organization, even though police rejected that interpretation in their report. The National Immigration and Borders Center said the crossing was not accidental, but part of a plan promoted through a simultaneous disinformation campaign on social media. It also noted that most of those who crossed returned within hours, and said Moroccan border agents had virtually disappeared during those days.

The public prosecutor’s office has argued that an organized group may have facilitated irregular immigration while putting many lives at risk. It has also raised possible charges involving deaths and injuries caused by gross negligence. If the investigation later reveals possible crimes against the peace or independence of the state, Spain’s government could join the case as an injured party, provided the judge does not find possible responsibility among government officials who knew of the risks and failed to take adequate preventive measures.

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