Seven Senegalese men arrested in Playa de Palma for attacking street vendor compatriots
Seven Senegalese men were arrested in Playa de Palma after assaulting street vendors who attempted to stop thefts from tourists.
Seven Senegalese arrested for assaulting compatriots who reported theft from tourists in Playa de Palma
According to Majorca Daily Bulletin reports, the National Police have arrested seven Senegalese men accused of assaulting compatriots who were attempting to prevent robberies of tourists in Playa de Palma. The judge has released them with orders to stay away from the area.
In May, several Senegalese street vendors reported that a group of compatriots threatened and attacked them when they confronted them about stealing belongings from tourists. The victims reported suffering knife wounds and even bite marks.
The National Police in Playa de Palma opened an investigation after meeting with representatives of the Senegalese community and receiving their reports. Officers analysed the victims' statements and determined that the detained individuals mixed in among the street vendors to approach tourists when they were returning to their accommodation and steal their belongings.
The seven were arrested at the beginning of this week. Accused of assault, coercion and membership in a criminal organisation, the judge ordered their release with precautionary measures prohibiting them from approaching the area. The judicial process does not end here: the local hotel owners' association plans to bring a private prosecution jointly with the public prosecutor's office.
Source: Majorca Daily Bulletin