A legislative change impacting security
The recent modification of the Penal Code has begun to show its effects on the Spanish judicial system, especially in the area of repeat offences. Since its enactment, judges have adopted stricter measures to combat recurring crimes, as demonstrated by the recent case of a car thief at El Prat airport.
On April 10, Judge Sandra Soriano Comas, part of the 74th promotion of judges, used the new legal provisions for the first time to issue a restraining order. This precautionary measure was imposed on Badi Ramzi Nadjan, a 45-year-old Algerian known for stealing rental cars and reselling them. The decision was made after his arrest by the Mossos d’Esquadra, who had been tracking him due to his criminal record.
The amended law allows judges to impose restraining orders with the specific aim of preventing repeat offences. In this context, Soriano argued that it was necessary to protect both potential victims and the judicial system itself. The order prohibits Nadjan from approaching the airport for two years, a measure aimed at discouraging his habitual criminal activity.
Such judicial decisions seem to be bearing fruit: since similar orders began to be applied, crimes at the airport have drastically decreased. According to recent data, monthly reports of incidents have fallen by 82%, from over 700 to fewer than 100. This decline is crucial for local authorities and reinforces the importance of the new legal framework.
Despite the initial success, not everyone is convinced by the approach taken. Defence lawyer María Dolores García Marín has expressed her opposition to the order, arguing that it limits the accused's job and personal opportunities by prohibiting him from accessing the airport. However, Soriano clarified that Nadjan can still use other means to travel.
As these legal reforms are implemented and their results evaluated, it is clear that Spain is taking significant steps to address persistent issues related to organised and repeat crime. Decisions made by judges like Sandra Soriano could be key in setting a precedent for how these cases are handled in the future.
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