Public Prosecutor supports National Court investigation into Ceuta migration crisis
Chief Prosecutor Jesús Alonso backs the National Court investigating the mass entry of migrants into Ceuta. He points to possible crimes of illegal immigration, homicide, and criminal organisation.
The National Court could investigate the mass entry of migrants into Ceuta
The Public Prosecutor's Office has approved the National Court opening an investigation into the migration crisis that occurred in Ceuta on 30 and 31 August, when approximately 70,000 people swam across from Morocco. This is detailed in the report presented this Friday to judge María Tardón, according to El País.
Chief Prosecutor Jesús Alonso, who personally took on the case due to its "significance", argues that the events could constitute crimes of facilitating illegal immigration, homicide and injuries through gross negligence, and criminal organisation. In addition, he has requested that the case be declared confidential.
Alonso argues that jurisdiction falls to the National Court because part of the events would have been committed outside Spanish territory. According to the prosecution's document, a "substantial part" of the planning, mobilisation, logistical coordination, digital dissemination and possible strategic direction would have been carried out in Moroccan territory, whilst "the material execution of the action, the intended result and the most significant effects took place in Spanish territory".
Police report points to coordinated action
The report by the National Immigration and Borders Centre (CENIF) rules out that what happened was "something accidental". The text states that, compared with similar episodes recorded in 2021 and 2024, on this occasion the "migration objective" acted only as a "formal pretext" to "direct a massive flow of people to Ceuta". A previous National Police report had already suggested that Moroccan officers "guided" the entry of migrants.
The complaint that originated the proceedings was filed by lawyer Luis Pardo, of Iustitia Europa, and fell to judge Tardón. Pardo alleged crimes against state security, facilitation of illegal immigration, human trafficking, criminal organisation and failure to pursue crimes. Alonso does not fully agree with that characterisation, but does support opening proceedings to clarify the events.
No suspects under investigation at present
The investigation, in its initial phase, is not directed against any particular person. The priority objective is to determine whether what happened was the result of coordinated action and who could have been responsible. The head of the Public Prosecutor's Office believes there is sufficient grounds to investigate whether an "organisation" or "criminal group" endangered the physical integrity of the people involved.
The progress of the proceedings, according to prosecution sources, will need to clarify whether the events "could constitute crimes affecting public order or collective legal interests such as the peace or independence of the State". The final decision on whether the investigation is formally opened now rests with judge Tardón.
Source: El País