Spain's Civil Guard has freed a 50-year-old woman held captive for a week in her own home in Alhama de Murcia. Two young men and a minor have been arrested on suspicion of illegal detention, injuries, and crimes against public health. The victim was found in a state of severe malnutrition and showing signs of serious abuse.
The police operation started when an off-duty Civil Guard officer received information about a woman being held against her will in a home in Alhama de Murcia. A operational device was immediately activated to locate the property, which turned out to be the victim's own house, shared with the three detainees.
Upon entering the home, officers found the 50-year-old woman locked in a room secured with an external padlock. The space had a mattress, scattered clothes on the floor, and accumulated dirt. She showed bruises, burns from cigarettes, as well as symptoms of severe dehydration and malnutrition. In another room, marijuana branches were found hanging from the ceiling to dry.
The victim was taken by ambulance to the medical center in Alhama de Murcia and later to the Virgen de la Arrixaca hospital in Murcia for treatment. The detainees, two young men and a minor known as local criminals linked to the drug world, had subjected the woman to abuses due to disputes over drug consumption. The mistreatments included depriving her of food, drink, medication, and bathroom access, cutting her hair, and insulting her.
After being brought before a judge, the three were released on charges with a restraining order against the woman. The prosecutor's office did not request provisional imprisonment.