The Spanish court has refused to return the passport of a Quebecer involved in a fatal accident and to grant him the right to return to Canada pending the continuation of legal proceedings which have dragged on for six months now.
• Also read: Involved in a fatal accident: leaving for 10 days of vacation, a Quebecer has been stuck in Spain for 4 months
Mathieu Béland, originally from L’Ancienne-Lorette, has been stuck in Spain since last July after being involved in a fatal accident in Torremolinos, a few kilometers south of Málaga.
Photo provided by MATHIEU BÉLAND
Accused of homicide through serious recklessness when he was not impaired by alcohol or drugs, Mr. Béland asked the court to recover his passport and reduce the charge against him .
He learned Thursday that both requests had been refused by the court.
“We point out the danger that I will not return to face my accusations,” explains to Journal the 27-year-old trucker who says he is “stunned” by the turn of events. I feel at the end of my rope and [mes avocats] also feel helpless in the face of the system.”
$42,000 in legal fees
Mathieu Béland was driving a car rented for vacation with his sister when he caused an accident with a 58-year-old motorcyclist who lost his life.
The type of intersection where Mathieu Béland caused a fatal accident does not exist in Quebec. For example, to turn left, you must take the lane completely to the right.
Google Maps screenshot
Without a passport or driving license and with a criminal record, Mr. Béland cannot work while lawyer costs mount. He estimates that he has spent $42,000 to date in addition to the $75,000 deposit paid by his parents.
“We realize that they are trying to extract a lot of money from us,” says Mr. Béland. The first question I was asked at the courthouse was: do you have any money? Does your family have money? »
-The Quebecer also says he is unimpressed by the diplomatic support offered by Canada until now.
“I managed to have contact with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs this week and this is the first call that seems conclusive,” he notes.
Since his arrest, the Canadian consulate has only offered him a list of lawyers and translators to help him.
“I was also offered to call 911 if I had a medical emergency and that the Spanish system would support me,” he says.
Although he considers “every day a struggle,” Mathieu Béland nevertheless says he is attached to his life in Quebec.
“I have my girlfriend, my house, my sister, my family and my friends who can’t wait to see me again. I hold on to what I have built here, he assures us. It’s just a shame to see yourself annihilated by a country that doesn’t consider the human aspect of this procedure.”
Mathieu Béland and his loved ones launched a GoFundMe campaign to collect donations to enable him to meet his needs during this difficult period.
To date, a total of more than $36,400 has been raised.
“I’m really impressed and it’s really flattering. I would never have believed that answer,” breathes Mr. Béland, who now hopes for a rapid outcome to his Spanish legal saga.
Stuck in Spain since July
- July 14, 2024: Mathieu Béland is involved in a fatal road accident in Torremolinos. He is arrested by local authorities.
- Week of August 4, 2024: Mr. Béland’s lawyer presents a request for review of the conditions imposed by the court.
- December 20, 2024: payment of compensation from the insurance company to the victim’s family as part of the civil suit.
- January 9, 2025: Mathieu Béland learns from his lawyer that his request for review of the conditions has been refused. He is awaiting further procedures and will have to stay in Spain.
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