Mother detained after sisters fled forced marriage plot

The Guardia Civil has detained the mother of two teenage sisters after they fled their home in Roquetas de Mar and reported that their family was trying to force them into marriages in Syria.

The girls, aged 16 and 17 and of Syrian origin, told officers their parents wanted them to travel to Syria and marry two men chosen by the family, according to information confirmed by the Almería Guardia Civil command.

Sources familiar with the case said the sisters left the family home during the October bank holiday period and sought help from Cruz Roja before making a complaint to the Guardia Civil.

Allegations of abuse

The teenagers also alleged that they had suffered repeated physical abuse from their father and brothers, according to the same reports. It was not immediately clear what offences the mother may face or what judicial steps will follow.

Police were understood to have gone to the family home after the complaint was filed, but the father was said to be in Syria at the time.

The arrest has drawn attention to the risks faced by minors who report forced marriage pressure and domestic abuse, although no further details of the investigation have been released.

Earlier reporting from local and national outlets said the case came to light after the sisters sought protection and told authorities they feared being taken abroad against their will.