A refugee has been reportedly arrested in Spain after being accused of sexually assaulting two aid workers.
The man had been residing in a refugee centre located in the town of Becerrea, Lugo, reports Olive Press News.
He is alleged to have made repeated inappropriate sexual remarks, engaged in sexual harassment, and physically groped the two aid workers.
The two women, who are employed by a humanitarian charity responsible for helping manage the refugee centre, reported the incidents.
Following their complaints, the arrest was made on Friday, as confirmed by sources quoted by Europa Press.
On Saturday morning, the suspect was brought before the court in Becerrea for a hearing.
According to local reports, the NGO that operates the centre has plans to relocate the refugee to another facility in response to the incident.
The popular European destination has been witnessing a rise in the number of migrants over the years.
Figures from the Spanish Interior Ministry show that in 2023, at least 14,535 people arrived on El Hierro in 154 boats.
That’s equivalent to an average of 40 people daily on an island with an area of 278 square kilometers (108 square miles), and home to around 12,000 inhabitants.
Boat arrivals have continued to increase in 2024, with the numbers showing an average of 45 people each day.