I still cannot believe the news to which I have awoken this morning. Judge Baltasar Garzón has been suspended today from the Audiencia Nacional FOR INVESTIGATING THE CRIMES OF FRANCOISM. Spanish reports say Garzón left the court crying. This is not the end, because the judge will still need to stand trial, but his prospects are not looking good at this point. I hold firm to my belief that this is a politically-motivated attempt to remove a judge that has gone above and beyond to support human rights worldwide. In addition, we are witnessing the attempt to silence, once again, the Francoist past and those who dare speak out against it. Whatever happens to Garzón in the end, his case has at least heightened awareness about forced disappearences and executions of the Franco era, and what the judge has called Francoist "crimes against humanity." There will be a protest in front of the Audiencia Nacional in Madrid tonight at 8 (2 pm E.S.T.). More on this story later in the day.
Leer más en español
From: BBC News
Spanish judge Garzon is suspended
High-profile Spanish judge Baltasar Garzon has been suspended from his post by the country's judicial body.
The decision was unanimously adopted by the General Council of the Judiciary.
He is due to face trial on charges that he abused his powers by opening an inquiry in 2008 into crimes committed during Francisco Franco's rule.
Mr Garzon was later forced to drop the investigation into the crimes committed during the 1936-39 Civil War in Spain, which are covered by an amnesty.
Controversial judge
In February, a Supreme Court investigating magistrate ruled that Mr Garzon had ignored the 1977 amnesty by launching the investigation.
Mr Garzon, 54, who is highly popular among the Spanish political left and international human rights campaigners, appealed against the ruling, saying his inquiry was legitimate.
But some on the right accuse Mr Garzon of launching cases that are politically motivated.
Tens of thousands of people disappeared during Spain's Civil War and under Gen Franco's regime that followed.
Mr Garzon is also famous for targeting international figures, including late Chilean military ruler Augusto Pinochet, and al-Qaeda leader Osama Bin Laden.
Earlier this week, Mr Garzon reportedly asked to take a leave of absence to work for the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Judicial sources at Spain's National Court say Mr Garzon wants to work as an adviser for the ICC for seven months.
Story from BBC NEWS:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/europe/8682948.stm
Published: 2010/05/14 12:47:23 GMT
© BBC MMX
No comments:
Post a Comment