Catalonia Court Upholds Ruling in Favor of Police Officers Involved in 2017 Referendum
The Provincial Court of Barcelona has confirmed a prior ruling that dismisses the case against 46 riot police officers involved in the controversial operations during the October 1, 2017, referendum in Catalonia. This decision, made public on February 14, upholds their protection under the Amnesty Law, deeming their actions to be within the bounds of lawful conduct as they adhered to judicial orders.
The court's ruling states that the police intervention was sufficiently limited to brief actions intended to maintain public order, which did not exceed the threshold of gravity necessary for criminal liability. This aligns with previous legal frameworks protecting law enforcement officials engaged in actions they believed were legally justified.
In the wake of the ruling, JUPOL, the union representing the National Police, publicly expressed satisfaction with the court's decision. They called upon institutions and political entities to stop attempts to undermine police conduct and highlighted the necessity of recognizing the vital role of State Security Forces in upholding constitutional order.
The events surrounding the referendum and the police response have been a contentious topic in Spain, highlighting ongoing tensions between Catalonia and the Spanish government. Opposition to the police actions during the referendum extends to various political factions, which have criticized the force employed by police in maintaining order during a contentious political event.
As this legal narrative evolves, it continues to spark debate over the balance between maintaining public order and addressing demands for autonomy, making it a pivotal point in both regional and national politics.
Related Sources: