The important thing about Luis Luviales' sentence is to compensate for Jenni Hermoso, a soccer player who won the World Cup, who went to prison or kissed him while the world was watching. It's not about whether he has to pay thousands of euros.
The important thing is that it represents the end of the immunity of this powerful person whom he believed himself to be beyond the law.
Rubiales' judgment is a reminder that the law is and should be the same for everyone.
Many remember Hermoso for being “kissed” rather than as the best striker the Spanish women's national team ever had. As an iconic player who scored more goals than any other woman in history and played an important role on the pitch in transforming Spanish women's soccer.
At the age of 33, the superstar whose country won the first women's World Cup, heading towards the end of her career.
She was humiliated in front of the watching world by Rubiales when the former head of the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) kissed her after being handed the medal for the World Cup winner on August 20, 2023. Ta.
“My life has been waiting since that day,” Hermoso said in testimony at Luviares' trial in early February at the Spanish High Court in Madrid.
Rubiales denied the best day of her life and took away her freedom.
Hidden between teammates Alexia Peteras and Irene Paredes, Hermoso lifts the World Cup (Joe Pryor/Vision House via Getty Images)
The trial lasted for two weeks. The judge delivered his verdict in less than one.
Luviareth, 47, has been charged with sexual assault, but he and three other co-replies – former Spanish women's head coach Jorge Bilda, former Newcastle United forward and former RFEF sports director Albert -Luc was former marketing director Reuben Rivera. Innocent of forcedness. The prosecution alleged that they forced them to agree to the Rubiales version of the event. They denied any misconduct.
On written grounds in the judgment, the judge gave Hermoso's testimony a complete credibility. A court statement stated, “There was no reason or motivation for her to be dishonest in narration of facts with the sole purpose of hurting Rubiales.”
Rubiales has been fined over 10,000 euros (8,289 pounds, $11,400) and a ruling from the Spanish High Court prohibits him from going within 200 meters of Hermoso and communicating with her for a year . He was also ordered to pay an additional 3,000 euros for moral damages and half of Hermoso's legal costs.
In 2022, a law was passed in Spain, called the “Solosci” law (“Jesus is Jesus only”), and sexual consent must be positive by “explicitly expressing a person's will.” Stated, it cannot be assumed by default or silence.
The new law no longer distinguishes between “abuse” or “sexual assault,” but distinguishes between a wide range of crimes by establishing that sexual assault and threats are not necessary to commit sexual assault. Masu. This means a new range of sentences that are now between 4 and 12 years old and between 6 and 12 years old.
What has been criticized to mean that the already communicated text will be reviewed and reduced was consulted by feminist organizations. Athletic They said that what victims often need is someone to believe in them.
The judge's verdict on Thursday was on par with “I believe in you” to Hermoso. Rubiales was not sent to prison, but what's important to Hermoso is that she can ultimately feel like people believe her.
Rubiales off the court at San Fernando Dejenares (AFP by Oscar del Pozo/Getty Images)
The trial leaves us with a lot to think about. One is repeated modifications of victims in court. When cross-examining Hermoso, the defense attorney focused on the player's actions after Rubiales sexually assaulted her. They wanted the perfect victim. This refused to celebrate the World Cup, what happened. People who couldn't laugh or people who couldn't party. They wanted the victim who wept in the corner for something that wasn't her fault.
Hermoso was impressive in his testimony with the judge on the first day of his trial. She showed that anyone who met her or followed her career is a strong person. She was a victim who was able to enjoy her professional success despite what happened.
Hermoso did not cower in court in front of the invaders. She had the option to testify in court without Luviareth, but she said no. She sat a few meters away from the attacker and made a statement, answering questions from his lawyer, Olga Tabau. She kept her focus and kept her cool on multiple occasions where Rubiales whispered and commented while she spoke.
“I don't have to cry in my room or throw myself on the ground when I suggest that I didn't like it,” Hermoso told the court. “In that moment, when I'm celebrating being a world champion, drinking alcohol and eating, that's the biggest achievement I can get in my life.”
Society often seeks the perfect victim. This is what everyone acts in the way they want them to act. Invaders may make mistakes, they are human. However, victims must act like victims or they will publicly lose faith.
If this trial told us that women can be sexually assaulted and behaved, then we are considered victims afterwards, then we will forever be to Jenny Hermoso for this. I should be grateful.
The courage she demonstrated will help the victims who follow him.
(Photo above: Hector Vivas/Getty Images)
