Spanish authorities are gathering evidence relating to an alleged sexual assault case in which the accused are two Vietnamese citizens who are Hanoi-based artists.

The pair got legal assistance while waiting for the investigations conducted by local authorities, Spokesperson Le Thi Thu Hang of Vietnam’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a press conference on Thursday [July 7].

Guardia Civil in Andratx. File photo

They are in good health condition, Hang added.

Earlier, Spanish media cited local authorities that two Vietnamese men were arrested by the police of Mallorca Island, Spain on charges of sexual assault. Vietnam’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs then verified that two Vietnamese men were arrested for allegations of “sexual abuse of teenagers” and “privacy infringement.”

They are released on bail and waiting for Spanish authorities’ decisions.      

After the investigations and testimony, the prosecutor will decide whether to bring the case to court or not. The case can be closed if the victim dismisses the complaint. If convicted, the defendant could face a maximum sentence of 15 years behind bars.

According to guidelines posted on the website of the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, the investigations and trials of sexual assault cases in Spain can take years, depending on the complexity.

Mallorca Daily Bulletin reported that two Vietnamese citizens were arrested by the Guardia Civil on Saturday [June 25], for being accused of having raped a 17-year-old British girl.

The two, “an actor and a musician aged 37 and 42”, appeared in court on June 28. They were released on charges, but their passports were withdrawn.

The British girl gave a statement to the court after what she had told Guardia Civil officers was verified. She and her family left Mallorca later the day.