HIBAPRESS – Barcelona: Omar Razzini
Spanish security sources revealed the success of the Catalan police in thwarting 47 attempts of underage marriage during the past five years, among them are underage girls of Moroccan origin. These operations come within the framework of the efforts of the local authorities to prevent forced marriage and protect the rights of children and adolescents.
The sources said that the campaigns included a careful follow-up of the potential risks to the girls, and providing protection and psychological and legal support to dozens of victims, in addition to early intervention to prevent the transfer of some underage girls outside the country with the aim of completing the forced marriage. The police explained that such practices are considered a serious crime punishable by Spanish law, and that every attempt is dealt with firmly and strictly. Authorities confirm that the issue is not just a security issue, but represents a social and cultural challenge, as police teams seek to work side by side with associations and civil organizations to raise awareness among families and society about the seriousness of these practices and their negative effects on the future of girls. Experts pointed out that some forced marriage attempts were carried out in secret, taking advantage of legal loopholes or a lack of awareness among some families, but the early police intervention prevented their occurrence, and protected the victims from serious risks, including loss of education and exposure to psychological and social exploitation. In this context, the Catalan authorities stressed that protecting children and adolescents from violations is a top priority, confirming that any attempt to impose marriage on an underage girl will face strict legal procedures, in addition to continuous awareness campaigns to ensure that such violations are not repeated.
