Four arrested over disappearance of Alejandro Navarro in Ronda released on bail
The judge in Ronda ordered the release of the four suspects, though the investigation into homicide and assault remains open. They must appear before the court every fortnight.
Judge releases four implicated in disappearance of Alejandro Navarro
The presiding judge of the Court of First Instance in Ronda, acting as duty judge, ordered the release of the four detainees on Saturday afternoon on their alleged involvement in the disappearance of young Alejandro Navarro, according to diarioronda.es citing judicial sources. The investigation into homicide or murder and assault remains open, and the four suspects must appear before the courts every fortnight.
The hearing took place between 09:00 and 15:00 on Saturday. The Public Prosecutor did not request pre-trial detention for any of the accused—identified as Nuria, Paco, Antonio and Rocío—who declared themselves innocent of the facts attributed to them.
As the National Police vans departed, Alejandro's mother, his aunts and other family members, who were waiting at the doors of the Palace of Justice, shouted on several occasions: "Murderers!"
Five witnesses testify before the judge
The hearing began after the judge decided on Friday to extend the detention of the suspects as proceedings had not been completed in the first session. Throughout the morning, up to five witnesses appeared.
The first was Juan, owner of the flat on Jimera de Líbar Street where Alejandro lived alongside Nuria and Paco, whom the young man called his "aunts and uncle" without maintaining any family relation with them. José then gave evidence, the brother of Paco and Rocío, who according to sources close to the family allegedly stated he did not know of Alejandro's whereabouts, though he indicated that the detainees could be related to his disappearance.
Two of the accused's neighbours, Rafa and Inma, were also called, who according to the same sources allegedly acknowledged having witnessed alleged ill-treatment of the young man by those implicated.
Informally, "Tata", one of Alejandro's aunts, was also summoned. The woman stated that the flat where her nephew lived "was hostile territory" and asked that she be allowed to speak with Nuria so she could explain to her "what they have done with Alejandro and why".
More than two years without knowing the whereabouts of the young man
Alejandro Navarro has been missing for more than two years and his whereabouts remain unknown. The case has generated great expectation in Ronda, known as the City of the Gorge, with a notable presence of the young man's relatives who continue demanding that what happened be clarified.
The judge is keeping part of the case file under judicial secrecy.
Source: Google News ES — Crime (es)