Spain’s ‘Wolf Pack’ victim speaks out for the first time

THE victim of the La Manada Wolf Pack has spoken out for the first time.

In a letter sent to journalist Carlos Garayoa of the Tele Cinco television channel, the young woman explained how she faced the trial.

She also gave her reaction to the decision of the Supreme Court’s to find five men guilty of gang raping her and increasing their sentences from nine to 15 years jail each.

A lower court had acquitted the men of rape, a decision that sparked outrage and protest marches throughout Spain.

She says that the suffering she suffered throughout three years of legal proceedings is greater than that she suffered in the three square metres of a doorway in Calle Paulino Caballero in Pamplona.
The full letter reads: “After almost three years this process has finally been completed.

“It has been long, intense, and above all exhausting. The worst was not the situation I lived through, but everything that came after. But at this moment, I can assure you that it was worth it and little by little I am recovering the helm of my life.
“Thanks to all the people who were involved from the very first moment to help me. I couldn’t have been luckier with the quality of the people who have helped me. From the examining magistrate who never doubted me, to the lawyer who helped me on July 7, 2016, going through, without a doubt, the prosecutor, doctors, police officers, psychologists and the couple who found me. These are moments when nobody knows how to act, but you made it easy.
“Thanks also to Pamplona and Navarre, who with all their efforts have made it easier for me to ever return. Thanks again to those first associations and people for taking this to the streets, forming an echo in all corners of Spain. Thank you for not leaving me alone.

“I will be eternally grateful to you, but I am no heroine, the strength to continue, many times, has given me all the warmth and support I have felt on this path.
“We cannot forget that the struggle must continue and we must be the change we want in society, since this has meant the life of many companions. Remember, tell it, don’t let them win.”

Teresa Hermida, lawyer for the victim, has explained how the young woman feels about the court’s decision, saying: “She does not think that the Supreme Court’s ruling is good, bad or regular, but that she is calm because she has been believed, but she says that she cannot be happy.”

In addition, she has confirmed that the young woman is in psychological treatment: “She is still afraid.”