The mother of a Spanish woman who died by euthanasia after years of suffering linked to an alleged gang-rape ordeal has launched a legal effort to identify those she believes were responsible, after discovering new details recorded in her daughter’s personal diary.
Yolanda Ramos has filed complaints with prosecutors in Barcelona and Tarragona, requesting a formal investigation into the alleged sexual assaults suffered by her daughter, Noelia Castillo Ramos, before her death at the age of 25.
Represented by the Spanish Foundation of Christian Lawyers, Ramos says previously unseen information contained in Noelia’s diary could help authorities uncover the identities of the alleged attackers.
Diary Given Hours Before Death Reveals New Allegations
Noelia, who became paraplegic after jumping from a roof in a suicide attempt following the alleged assaults, handed her diary to her mother on the day she died.
According to information released by Christian Lawyers, the diary contained accounts of traumatic experiences that had not previously been fully examined.
In the writings, Noelia allegedly described being sexually assaulted by her former boyfriend, a Pakistani national with whom she had been in a relationship for four years.
She also reportedly detailed an incident in the town of Salou, Tarragona, where she said she was drugged, given alcohol and raped by three men after meeting a waiter.
Ramos said the contents of the diary helped her understand more about the suffering her daughter had endured and strengthened her determination to seek justice.
Family Previously Unable to Report Alleged Crimes
The family had not been able to pursue criminal complaints earlier because they lacked sufficient evidence to support the allegations.
However, after Noelia’s death, Ramos gained access to documents and material that she says had not previously been investigated, including the diary.
In a statement released by Christian Lawyers, Ramos said she was taking legal action because she believed it was what her daughter wanted.
“Noelia spoke about the rapes on television, and on the very day she died, she gave me her diary. When I read it, I understood many things,” she said.
Noelia’s Death Sparked National Debate Over Euthanasia
Noelia’s case attracted widespread attention across Spain because of her age, her physical condition and the legal battle surrounding her decision to end her life.
After becoming wheelchair-bound in 2022, she requested euthanasia under Spain’s assisted dying law, saying she had endured years of unbearable suffering.
Her application was approved in July 2024 by an independent Catalan body made up of medical professionals, legal experts and bioethics specialists.
The panel concluded that she met the legal requirements, including suffering from a serious and incurable condition causing chronic and debilitating pain.
Court Battles Delayed Her Final Decision
Although permission was granted, the process was delayed after Noelia’s father challenged the decision through the courts with support from Christian Lawyers.
The legal challenges were rejected at several levels, including by Spain’s Constitutional Court and Supreme Court.
A final attempt to stop the euthanasia through the European Court of Human Rights was also dismissed shortly before the procedure took place.
Noelia eventually died on March 26 at the Sant Pere de Ribes assisted living facility in Barcelona.
Young Woman Spoke Publicly About Her Suffering
Before her death, Noelia openly discussed her decision in Spanish media interviews, explaining that years of physical and emotional pain had left her unable to continue living.
“I want to go now and stop suffering, period,” she said in an interview.
She described struggling with daily activities, including eating, sleeping and leaving her home, while experiencing severe pain in her back and legs.
Noelia also criticised her father’s legal attempts to block her euthanasia, saying he had failed to respect her wishes.
“He hasn’t respected my decision and he never will,” she said during her final interview.
Final Wishes Included Dignity and Control Over Her Death
In an appearance on the Spanish programme Y Ahora Sonsoles, Noelia explained that she wanted her final moments to reflect how she saw herself.
“I want to die looking beautiful. I’ve always thought I want to die looking good. I’ll wear my prettiest dress and put on makeup,” she said.
She added that she wanted the moment to be simple and personal, surrounded by the people closest to her.
Spain’s Assisted Dying Law Remains Controversial
Spain legalised euthanasia in 2021, introducing strict requirements for people seeking medical assistance to end their lives.
Under the law, applicants must have decision-making capacity and suffer from a serious and incurable illness or a chronic condition causing severe disability and intolerable suffering.
Government figures show that 426 assisted dying requests were approved in 2024, the latest year for which data is available.
Noelia’s case was the first in Spain where a judge was asked to intervene directly over a euthanasia request.
Investigation Now Turns Toward Alleged Assaults
While Noelia’s euthanasia battle has concluded, her mother’s legal campaign has opened a new chapter focused on the allegations that she says contributed to her daughter’s suffering.
Ramos is now seeking answers about the events described in Noelia’s diary and hopes prosecutors will investigate the claims and identify those allegedly involved.
The legal process will determine whether the newly presented evidence is enough to reopen scrutiny of the alleged assaults.
