Residents of Orihuela Costa are rallying to honour the memory of Cloe, a 15-year-old girl tragically murdered by her 17-year-old ex-partner on 25 November last year, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.
Locals have proposed naming the park across from her high school, IES Playa Flamenca, in her memory.
Cloe’s murder, which occurred in a narrow alley in La Florida just 8 weeks ago, shocked the community. Now, a group calling itself “In Memory of Cloe” is organizing a rally to remember her.
The event will take place on 25 January at 12:00 noon. near the location of the recent tragedy. The organizers are encouraging Cloe’s family, friends, schoolmates, and neighbours, as well as local associations and parent-teacher groups, to attend.
A Lasting Tribute
The group has requested that the Orihuela City Council dedicate the park in front of IES Playa Flamenca to Cloe. They have also proposed creating a commemorative area close to the alley where the crime occurred, aiming to establish a peaceful and meaningful environment to honor her memory.
Encarni Miralles, a spokesperson for the platform, explained, “We hope to create a simple, peaceful and beautiful space that preserves Cloe’s memory.” The event will include a minute’s silence as well as the laying of flowers brought along by many of the groups attending as a gesture of solidarity and remembrance.
Platform representatives have expressed their hope that the City Council will support this request as a sign of respect for Cloe’s family. If the request is denied, the group plans to escalate their efforts by addressing the issue at the next municipal plenary session, where they will formally raise their concerns with council members and the mayor.
A Precedent in Orihuela Costa
If approved, this would not be the first park dedicated to a victim of violence in Orihuela Costa. In 2004, the community named a park after 13-year-old Shila Bidgely, who was raped and murdered.
The park initially featured a cross and a marble pedestal with her photograph, intended as a tribute to her life. However, in 2018, this memorial was removed by the council after criticism that it resembled a tombstone and was considered unsuitable for a children’s play area. In its place, an olive tree was planted, symbolizing peace and remembrance while preserving her legacy in a more understated way.
Shila’s case – a symbol of the devastating consequences of violence against women and children.
Cloe’s alleged killer, who also attended the same high school, is currently being held in a juvenile detention centre while awaiting trial. Meanwhile, the community continues to grieve and advocate for meaningful action to honour her life and to, once again, bring attention to the issue of gender violence.
