Vall d'Albaida 'Manada' Trial: Witnesses Recant Testimony

Witnesses Recant in Vall d'Albaida 'Manada' Trial A shocking development unfolded in the second session of the trial of the 'manada' case in Vall d'Albaida, Spain. Several witnesses who initially gave statements to the Civil Guard supporting the victim's account of a group rape have now recanted their testimony. The victim, a 14-year-old girl at the time of the incident, was only able to identify four out of fifteen alleged perpetrators. Defense attorney Antonio Carlos Serrano stated that the witnesses' initial statements aligned with the victim's narrative due to overwhelming fear. "When you're accused of a crime as serious as this," Serrano explained, referring to the accusations of sexual relations with a minor, "the fear is tremendous." This fear, he argued, influenced their initial statements. The case highlights the complexities of sexual assault trials, particularly the challenges faced by victims and the fragility of witness testimony under pressure. The ongoing trial continues to draw significant public attention in Spain.