# Spain Bar España defamation trial

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/spain-bar-espaa-defamation-trial
> Updated: 2026-10-22T12:08:00.000Z. Sources: 6. Developments: 2.

A trial has commenced in Castellón, Spain, involving six individuals accused of spreading long-running conspiracy theories regarding the Bar España in Benicarló. Since at least 1998, the defendants allegedly disseminated fabricated claims of a pedophilia ring involving prominent figures in politics, business, and law enforcement.

During court proceedings, witnesses testified that the allegations of child abuse and murder were entirely manufactured. Former minors involved in original videos stated that Reinaldo Colás, identified by prosecutors as the architect of the hoax, coerced and threatened them into following dictated scripts. Witnesses reported being threatened with consequences such as being separated from their families if they did not comply.

High-profile victims, including former regional president Francisco Camps and former Minister of Justice Gabriela Bravo, provided testimony regarding the personal and professional impact of the smear campaign. Bravo described the impact on her reputation as a prosecutor and politician, while Camps characterized the campaign as a “pandemic of horror and persecution” designed to use public figures to amplify the reach of the falsehoods.

The prosecution is seeking prison sentences of up to 58.5 years for certain defendants, alongside compensation of up to 1.3 million euros for victims of slander and libel.

## Claims

- Witnesses testified that the allegations regarding Bar España were false. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Reinaldo Colás coerced minors into making false statements under threat. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Colás threatened witnesses with the loss of contact with siblings in juvenile centers. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Gabriela Bravo testified that false accusations of covering up crimes damaged her career. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-22: Castellón trial reveals coerced false testimonies in Bar España hoax

Witnesses in the Bar España hoax trial testified that they were coerced and threatened into making false allegations of abuse as minors. High-profile victims also testified regarding the impact of the long-term

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bar-espaa-case-witnesses-testify-to-coerced-false-statements

### 2026-10-13: Spain trial begins over decades-old Bar España conspiracy rumors

Six people face trial in Spain for spreading decades-old conspiracy theories and false claims regarding a pedophilia ring at the Bar España in Benicarló.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/spain-trial-begins-over-decades-old-bar-espaa-conspiracy-rumors

---
Cite as: Spain Bar España defamation trial. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/spain-bar-espaa-defamation-trial