Portuguese police arrest suspect for assault on Camino de Santiago pilgrim

The Polícia Judiciária (PJ) has detained a 59-year-old man suspected of raping and robbing a 39-year-old foreign pilgrim in Vila do Conde. The incident occurred in August during the victim's journey along the Camino de Santiago de Compostela.

Authorities stated the suspect approached the victim unexpectedly, using physical violence to commit the sexual assault and stealing her belongings. The suspect, who has an extensive criminal record for various offenses including repeated sexual crimes, was on parole at the time of the incident after serving a 21-year prison sentence.

Following a report from the victim, police conducted investigations that led to his identification and arrest. He is scheduled to face judicial interrogation in Matosinhos to determine coercive measures.