Spain violence against women: Outrage at teacher’s murder

The murder of a 26-year-old woman who had crossed Spain for a teaching job has sparked outrage in the country, the latest high-profile case to put the spotlight on gender violence.

Laura Luelmo’s partially naked body was found near the southern village of El Campillo after five days of searching.

The murder is being investigated. She had travelled 500km (310 miles) to take up her first full-time job.

Campaigners say violence against women is still ingrained in Spain’s society.

The issue made headlines around the world earlier this year following the trial of five men accused of gang raping an 18-year-old woman during the San Fermín bull-running festival in July 2016 in Pamplona.

The men, who became known as La manada (the wolf pack), were acquitted of rape and convicted on a lesser offence of sexual abuse. Judges said the woman had not been assaulted as no intimidation or violence was involved.

• ‘Rape case highlights Spain’s enduring machismo’
• Jailed for murder, domestic violence victim fights for pardon

The decision sparked large demonstrations and a debate over the country’s legislation and gender violence in general.

Ms Luemo, who had left the north-western city of Zamora, went missing last Wednesday, sparking a search that involved more than 200 volunteers and officials.

Officials who searched her home believe she went out for a walk or run before disappearing, as they did not find her sports gear, smartphone and purse.

Her body was found among some bushes in a remote area outside El Campillo with signs of sexual violence, El Mundo newspaper reports (in Spanish).

It showed signs that she tried to defend herself and marks on her neck that could suggest a death by strangulation. She also appears to have been struck on the head.

The location was some distance from the last point mobile phone antennas had located her. No arrests have been made.

Ms Luemo’s parents reported her disappearance after she had failed to answer their calls or to show up at the secondary school in Nerva, next to El Campillo, where she had worked since 3 December.

Users on Twitter have used the hashtag #LauraSomosTodas (We’re all Laura) to react to the news, and thousands have shared a protest image made by Ms Luemo, who was described as a passionate illustrator, to mark International Women’s Day, on 8 March. It says: “You’re your opportunity.”

Written by BayRadio