In a dramatic turn of events, the mother of Luis Rubiales, the chief of the Spanish soccer federation, has embarked on a hunger strike to protest what she calls the "inhumane treatment" her son is facing. Angeles Bejar, Rubiales' mother, locked herself inside a church in Motril, southern Spain, and announced her hunger strike, claiming that her son is being unfairly targeted by a "hunt" that he does not deserve.
Rubiales' suspension by FIFA on August 26 came after a controversial incident where he gave an unsolicited kiss on the mouth to national team star Jenni Hermoso during an awards ceremony following Spain's World Cup victory in Sydney.
The parish church of Divina Pastora in Rubiales' hometown became the backdrop of Angeles Bejar's protest as she sought to bring attention to what she believes is her son's unjust treatment. While the parish priest eventually left, Bejar remained within the church premises with her sister.
Bejar's plea included a message directed at Jenni Hermoso, urging her to "tell the truth" and "stick to the version she gave at the beginning." Bejar emphasized that there was no sexual abuse involved since there was consent on both sides, citing images to support her claim. She questioned the motivation behind the backlash and asked, "what is behind this whole story."
"My son is incapable of hurting anyone," Bejar passionately stated, defending Luis Rubiales.
Rubiales, 46, has stood firm in the face of the controversy. He argued that the kiss was consensual, despite condemnation from Hermoso, her teammates, and even the Spanish government. During a recent federation meeting, where it was widely anticipated that he might step down, Rubiales instead chose to remain in his position, defending his actions as "spontaneous, mutual, euphoric, and consensual."
In response to the suspension and the subsequent outcry, the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) issued a statement on Rubiales' behalf. The statement asserted that Rubiales will pursue legal action to prove his innocence and stated,
"he will defend himself legally in the competent bodies."
Jenni Hermoso, on the other hand, maintains that she did not consent to the kiss and expressed feeling "vulnerable and the victim of an aggression."
The incident involving Rubiales and Hermoso has ignited conversations around gender issues in Spain, a topic that has gained prominence in recent years. Massive street marches protesting sexual abuse and violence have been a part of this movement, and the Spanish government has enacted legal reforms to address issues such as equal pay and abortion rights.
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