Trump Administration Orders Investigation into the Death of Noelia Castillo

The Donald Trump administration has instructed staff at the US Embassy in Madrid to examine the circumstances surrounding the death of 25-year-old Noelia Castillo, who died on 26 March following a nearly two-year legal battle for the right to euthanasia. This was reported by the New York Post, citing leaked diplomatic correspondence.

The publication claims that staff have been tasked with investigating the actions of Spanish law enforcement regarding the cases of sexual violence reported by Noelia.

"We are deeply concerned by allegations that Ms Castillo was repeatedly subjected to sexual violence while under state care, and that not a single perpetrator has been held accountable," the New York Post quotes from a cable sent by American officials.

According to the report, the Trump administration is also concerned about "numerous systemic human rights violations" that prompted Castillo to seek euthanasia. Specifically, the American side noted reports circulating in the media and on social networks claiming that Noelia allegedly hesitated in her decision shortly before her death.

Previously, a court in Barcelona ruled that a handwritten letter from Noelia dated 29 July 2024, which purported to rescind her decision, was invalid. According to the court’s ruling, the young woman "was not aware of what she was writing, as the text was dictated by others." Noelia herself testified during a court hearing that on the day the letter was written, two acquaintances from a religious community entered her room at the Sant Pere de Ribes hospital residence without warning, woke her up, and, while she was still drowsy, forced her to write the letter under dictation. The centre's director confirmed that two individuals had entered Noelia's room.

The Trump administration also expressed concern regarding the application of Spain’s euthanasia law, "particularly in cases involving mental disorders and non-terminal suffering."

The Spanish Ministry of Health stated that it has received no communication from the US government requesting an investigation into Noelia Castillo’s euthanasia. The head of the department, Mónica García, wrote on social media that in the US "thousands of people die every year without health insurance," while "Trump supports and fuels human rights violations between Gaza and Iran."

"He should stop fueling the international far-right agenda by interfering everywhere. Spain is a serious country with an advanced healthcare and human rights system that protects and cares for all people, including those who decide to seek help for a dignified death," she emphasised.

A few hours after the New York Post publication, the President of the Government of Catalonia, Salvador Illa, spoke out in defence of Spain's euthanasia law. "We defend the right to a dignified death, having approved one of the most advanced and exemplary legal systems in the world," he stated on his social media accounts.