Prison sentences for “fence jump” immigrants

THE Provincial Court of Cadiz in Ceuta has sentenced the nine immigrants who jumped the border fence and attacked officers to prison.

The nine men, who were part of over 600 immigrants of sub Saharan origin that climbed the border fence in July 2018, have been sentenced for several crimes including the injuring of 18 Guardia Civil officers who attempted to prevent them from entering the country.

The men will face 12 months in prison along with fines that amount to over €13,000.

€10,500 of the fine will go towards the civil liability and compensation of the 18 Guardia Civil officers that were injured in the attack, along with €2,914 to the Directorate General of the Civil Guard for damages and losses caused.

It was also noted that the case ruled out the application of Article 80 of the Criminal Code which entitles the prosecuted to a “second chance” due to the nature of the case, as requested by the defence team.

Enforcement of Article 80 “is only justified insofar as the State can place a justified trust in the convicted person” according to the Chamber.

According to the conviction report, “in view of the circumstances surrounding the crimes committed where they made use of unusual violence, with an organized planning in the use of dangerous instruments against law enforcement officers” and the fact that “together with their lack of roots in our country and the absence of any effort to repair the damage caused” the judge felt it necessary to withhold the suspension and commit to the prison sentences.