The Spanish defence minister, Margarita Robles, has asserted this Friday that expulsion from the Army is required those responsible for a raffle in which the prize was the services of a prostitute, organized in a WhatsApp group of soldiers' based at the Bruc barracks in Barcelona. In a visit to the facilities of the Spanish Army in the San Cristobal barracks, in Madrid, Robles described as "unacceptable" the raffle organized at Bruc to pay for a celebration held on last Tuesday's public holiday, the Day of the Immaculate Conception. "These people must be put out of the Armed Forces", she affirmed after recalling that the army has already opened an investigation to clarify what happened and identify those responsible, and in addition, they have brought the matter to their attention of public prosecutors.
Earlier this week it was revealed that, in a WhatsApp chat group with about seventy military participants, the services of a prostitute had been as part of the prize in a raffle to raise money for the company party. The newspaper Ara explained that the chat included images of the woman and the services she offers, followed by sexist comments about the "escort lady", as defined by the soldiers themselves in their conversations. A ticket in the draw to spend some time with the prostitute was included in the 25 euro price which participants paid for the dinner on the occasion of the Purísima celebration that was organized in the barracks. Further tickets for the prize could be bought for three euros each to have more options, according to the Catalan newspaper. Participation was voluntary, but taking part automatically included a ticket for the sexual services raffle and this outraged some soldiers.
The defence ministry head made it clear that "it was a private chat absolutely outside the structure of the Land Army". Robles insisted that "it is unacceptable from any point of view and not only does it not correspond to the values of the armed forces, but quite the opposite". But she also stressed the forces' "zero tolerance" for sexual harassment or abuse, or even "jokes on the subject."
Internal investigation
Regarding the results of the internal investigation underway, she said that "statements are being taken and when it is known who was there, of course we do not want these people in the Spanish Armed Forces". Asked if the internal investigation could end in expulsions, she indicated that the conclusions would have to be seen first, but maintained that if it was indeed true that there are people who had "taken advantage of military facilities", obviously the corresponding disciplinary action would be opened. Margarita Robles expressed pride in the men and women of the Spanish armed forces, who "work, are responsible and are an example in Europe and the world". And she added that those who organized the scheme "are a discredit to the armed forces and do not deserve to be there".
Response to Ada Colau
The mayor of Barcelona, Ada Colau, called on the Spanish government for an urgent investigation into this controversy. Colau expressed her "outrage" at these events as a woman and mayor of a "proudly feminist" city. In addition, she asserted that a "profound change" is needed in the educational field, with regular training and updated regulations so that this type of attitude "has no place" in any public institution. referring to training, professionalism and effectiveness and in all the regulations to combat sexual harassment". Robles responded to the mayor of the Catalan capital and insisted that "the Spanish Army is an example not only in the European Union and NATO from all points of view but also with regard to their training, professionalism and effectiveness and in all the regulations to combat sexual harassment". She invited Colau to get to know the army better.