Palma: Bar Owner Sentenced to Prison and Large Payments for Covert Recordings

Judgment in Palma: Prison, Punishment and Compensation

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A court in Palma yesterday sentenced a 45-year-old bar owner to two years and eight months in prison. The man is alleged to have secretly filmed women in the women's restroom of his establishment over an extended period. The recordings are said to have been made with a camera hidden in a bottle.

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Number of victims and claims

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According to the investigation, around 30 affected individuals have been identified so far. The judges additionally imposed a fine of 4,800 euros on the defendant. He must also pay compensation of more than 90,000 euros to the victims. When you add up compensation, fines and possible civil lawsuits, the sentence is likely to have far-reaching financial consequences for him.

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How did the proceedings go?

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In court, witnesses gave incriminating testimonies; many spoke of shame and the feeling that their privacy had been violated. The public prosecutor spoke of systematic intrusions into intimacy. The defendant denied parts of the allegations, but did not provide details on all points. His brother, who is said to be co-owner of the establishment, was acquitted in the trial.

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The establishment is located in downtown Palma, in an area that is lively in the evenings. On a cool Tuesday around 9 a.m., just after the verdict, passersby on the street spoke in whispers — some could hardly believe that something like this happened in the middle of the city.

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Legal status and outlook

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The verdict is not yet final; defense and prosecution have the right to appeal. In the meantime, the decision remains provisional, yet the result sends a clear signal: inappropriate surveillance is prosecuted under criminal law and can be costly, both emotionally and financially.

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For those affected, it is about more than money. Many are seeking explanations, counseling, and a path to cope with the loss of trust. Counseling centers and victim support services on Mallorca have already announced their plans to help victims.

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A feeling I often hear when speaking with people in Palma: it is not only about punishment but about trust in public spaces. There is a need for more of that.