A Mother’s Fight for Justice – and the System That Betrayed Her

US mother of 8-month-old baby faces prison in Spain

Imagine being forced to choose between your child’s safety and the law. Imagine fighting for years to protect your daughter, only to be criminalised, silenced, and sentenced to prison. This is the reality for Jewel Lazaro, an American mother in Spain, who has just 8 days before she is forced to report to prison for taking her own daughter to safety.

Despite years of legal battles, domestic violence allegations, and documented violations of court orders by her ex-partner, Jewel has been sentenced to 3 years and 3 months in prison—all for trying to protect her child. Now, she faces separation from her 8-month-old baby, who depends on her as the sole caregiver.

Time is running out. Jewel needs an urgent pardon from the Spanish Ministry of Justice to stop this devastating miscarriage of justice.

A Timeline of Injustice

Jewel’s case is complex, but the facts are clear:

• 2015 – Jewel gives birth to her daughter SLC in Ireland.

• 2019 – Her ex, Seth C, files a Hague Convention case in Spain, accusing her of abduction. The case is ruled in his favour within 10 minutes, despite no formal custody order being in place before she left. A shared custody agreement is established.

• 2020 – During a court-ordered visitation, Seth C becomes violent, threatening to harm their daughter. Jewel has a voice recording of him saying he will kick their child down the stairs. Fearing for their safety, she leaves Spain with her daughter during her legally sanctioned holiday period.

• 2021 – Seth C files another Hague petition, and despite evidence of his violations, he wins again. Jewel appeals and wins, but since their daughter was already taken back to Spain, she accepts a settlement agreement—one that Seth C later violates.

• 2023 – A Spanish court convicts Jewel of child abduction, sentencing her to 3 years and 3 months in prison, despite the father’s prior agreement not to press charges.

• June 2024 – Jewel gives birth to her second daughter, SG.

• February 5, 2025 – Spain’s Supreme Court rejects Jewel’s appeal. She now has 8 days to report to prison.

She is on the clock, and her options are running out.

Why This Case Matters

Jewel’s story is about more than one mother—it’s about a global crisis in family courts that punishes protective parents, particularly mothers, for trying to safeguard their children.

• The Hague Convention is being misused. Designed to prevent child abductions, it is frequently weaponized by abusive partners to punish mothers who try to escape domestic violence.

• Fathers who violate court orders face no consequences. Meanwhile, mothers like Jewel are criminalised for trying to protect their children.

• This case sets a dangerous precedent. If Jewel is imprisoned, it will send a message that protective mothers should stay silent—even when their children’s lives are at risk.

What You Can Do to Help

✅ Sign the petition to demand a pardon for Jewel Lazaro from the Spanish Ministry of Justice.

✅ Share this article on social media to spread awareness.

✅ Tag international human rights organisations and women’s advocacy groups to pressure the Spanish authorities.

✅ Donate to help Jewel afford legal services and fight for justice.

No child should be separated from their mother. No mother should be punished for trying to protect her child. Justice must be tempered with humanity—help us fight for Jewel’s freedom.

👉 Sign the petition now:

https://www.change.org/p/urgent-stop-us-mother-s-imprisonment-in-spain-for-protecting-her-child

Please, donate if you can help Jewel fight against this injustice:

gofund.me/00394ac4