Technical Failure in Anti-Violence Bracelet System Affects Legal Proceedings in Spain

A significant technical failure in Spain's Cometa system, which manages the monitoring of anti-violence bracelets, has led to a troubling loss of access to historical data. This mishap has serious implications, potentially absolving several aggressors by undermining legal decisions based on unreliable monitoring information.

According to reports, the error in the Cometa system, operational since 2018, resulted in incomplete data exposure, affecting cases where the bracelets were used as evidence of restrictive measures on alleged aggressors. The Spanish Ministry of Equality acknowledged that this error had directly led to a number of offenders being cleared in court or having charges dismissed, thereby jeopardizing the integrity of the judicial process regarding violence against women.

Specifically, it was noted that this problem has been flagged in at least 71 cases. In these instances, the judges relied on the flawed data stored in the system, raising concerns about numerous acquittals due to the technical malfunction.

Legal experts and advocates for victims of domestic violence have expressed outrage, highlighting that this system was meant to provide protective and preventive measures for victims. They emphasized that the system’s failings not only compromise current cases but also damage public trust in the authorities tasked with protecting vulnerable populations. Advocates argue that continuous investment in technological and personnel resources is critical to ensure the functionality and reliability of such systems, which are vital for safeguarding victims.

As of September 18, 2025, the Ministry has promised swift corrective measures to restore confidence in the Cometa system, but significant concerns remain about the future handling of cases impacted by this breach. Authorities continue to review affected cases to address potential injustices that may arise as a result of this failure.