The Audiencia Provincial de Valencia has upheld the 15-month prison sentence imposed on Cristina Seguí, former leader of the Vox party, for humiliations inflicted on a sexual assault victim. This judgment follows Seguí's conviction for publicly denigrading a minor who was sexually assaulted, effectively sealing her fate after she disseminated video content of the young victim and her friends.
Initially subject to scrutiny earlier this year, Seguí was sentenced for her blatant attempt to discredit the victim's account of the events. The child, then 12, had been involved in raising awareness about the assault via social media. Despite her claims of innocence, the legal system did not look favorably upon Seguí’s actions, concluding they constituted severe damage to the victim’s dignity.
According to the verdict accessed by the press, Seguí shared the video on her Twitter account, which boasts over 200,000 followers. Her post contained comments disparaging the minor, including statements questioning her age and implying she had fabricated the sexual assault claim for fame.
"Está todo mal, no es una niña de 12 sino de 15 o 16, el sexo fue acordado y consentido y lo hicieron para hacerse famosas en TV gracias a medios de difusión como vosotros," Seguí wrote, dismissing the serious allegations with harmful rhetoric.
The court noted Seguí's complete disregard for the psychological impact her words would have on the already traumatized victims. The remarks, coupled with the video dissemination, led to significant psychological distress for the minor, exacerbated by her public exposure.
The July verdict had already mandated Seguí to pay €12,000 to one of the victims for moral damages, marking the gravity with which the judiciary approached the case. The consequence also extends to negative media attention, with many labeling her as utilizing her platform irresponsibly.
Interestingly, the Madrid-based court dismissed charges against Seguí related to the discovery and disclosure of secrets, stating the relevant law was not enacted at the time of her actions.
Legal experts have pointed out the importance of this ruling, highlighting the challenges faced by victims of sexual violence. Seguí's actions are emblematic of how social media can aggravate such situations, regressing the already difficult path toward justice and healing for victims.
Beyond the immediate case, Seguí's behavior prompts broader reflection on the ethics of social media engagement. With influencers like Seguí wielding significant power over public opinion, the ramifications of their posts can inadvertently deepen the trauma associated with such sensitive matters.
The sensitivity of the case has sparked conversations on responsible communication, particularly involving minors. This incident urges society to explore how social media's role can protect rather than exploit, especially concerning vulnerable individuals, reaffirming the pressing need for community and legal protective measures.
Looking forward, Seguí has expressed intentions to appeal the ruling to the Supreme Court, indicating her refusal to accept the judgment lightly. Nevertheless, the judicial system remains steadfast, prioritizing victim welfare over sensationalist pandering.
While it raises questions about the balance between freedom of speech and moral responsibility, the case of Cristina Seguí may have set new precedents for how digital platforms impact cases of victimization. The court has made it clear: damaging comments delivered through social media cannot shield individuals from accountability when they provoke harm against victims.
This ruling not only affirms justice for the young victim but also underlines the imperative of addressing how society engages with the narratives of sexual assault victims across all platforms. The future remains uncertain for Seguí, but the path forward will demand careful navigation as awareness around these issues rises.
