The court on duty in La Bisbal d'Empordà has released on bail the 74-year-old retired teacher accused by 14 students of alleged inappropriate touching. He must report periodically to the authorities while the investigation continues.
The court on duty in La Bisbal d'Empordà has agreed to release on bail the 74-year-old retired teacher from Torroella de Montgrí who faces 14 accusations from students for alleged inappropriate touching. The magistrate has maintained as the only precautionary measure the obligation to report periodically to the judicial authority, as confirmed by sources from the Superior Court of Justice of Catalonia.
The individual under investigation, who taught private Mathematics and Chemistry classes to young people aged between 15 and 18, had been summoned for the second time before the court following the submission of 8 new complaints that add to the initial six. The first complaint was filed on July 1, and since then, the number of victims has continued to grow.
The complaints detail inappropriate touching during classes
According to the complainants, the alleged abuses occurred when the victims visited his home in Torroella de Montgrí for private lessons, especially to prepare for the Baccalaureate and University Entrance Exams. The young women claim that the teacher began with suggestive remarks and touching on the thighs, and that the abuses escalated as he gained their trust.
Sources close to the case have indicated that the teacher had a good reputation in the locality and had been preparing students for these educational stages for years. The first complaint, filed on July 1, reportedly encouraged other young people to also report the incidents to the Mossos d'Esquadra, who are continuing the investigation and do not rule out the possibility of more victims coming forward.
The investigation remains open
The Mossos d'Esquadra are continuing to gather testimonies and evidence to clarify the facts. The judge has considered that, despite the seriousness of the accusations, the requirements for imposing provisional imprisonment are not met, although she has maintained the precautionary measure of periodic reporting. The individual under investigation, who has denied the allegations, must appear in court at regular intervals while the investigation is ongoing.
The case has caused shock in Torroella de Montgrí, a town in Baix Empordà where the teacher was known for his educational work. Neighbours and family members of the victims have expressed their concern over the number of complaints and have called for justice. The local residents' association has issued a statement expressing its support for the young women and trusting that the investigation will uncover the truth of the events.
The teacher's defence, for its part, has requested that the presumption of innocence be respected and has reminded that there is still no final ruling. The lawyer has stated that his client is cooperating with the authorities and trusts that his innocence will be proven. However, the number of complaints and the consistency of the accounts have created a climate of tension in the municipality.
The judicial investigation is now focused on analysing the statements of the 14 complainants and gathering possible additional evidence. The Mossos have urged any other potential victims to contact them to provide their testimony. The case has highlighted the importance of reporting such situations and has opened a debate about the trust placed in educators.
In the province of Barcelona, although the case has had a strong media impact, there is no record of the teacher having taught classes in municipalities in the metropolitan area. Nevertheless, the Federation of Associations of Mothers and Fathers of Catalonia has reminded the need to exercise extreme caution in private lessons and to promote communication between parents and children to detect possible abuses.
The next court date for the individual under investigation is scheduled for the coming weeks, when the court will decide whether to elevate the case to abbreviated proceedings or to dismiss it. Meanwhile, the 14 complainants hope that justice will act swiftly to clarify the facts and, if applicable, hold those responsible accountable.
