Criminal Investigation Launched Against Valencia President for Management of Tragic Flood Disaster
The Prosecutor's Office of Valencia has initiated a criminal investigation into Carlos Mazón, the president of the Generalitat Valenciana, following his potential role in the disastrous management of the Isolated Depression at High Levels (DANA) that struck the province on October 29. This calamity led to devastating floods, resulting in the loss of 223 lives and significant material damage. The aftermath of the disaster has drawn widespread criticism directed at both regional and national authorities for their perceived failures during this crisis.
In a formal document delivered to the Superior Court of Justice of the Comunitat Valenciana (TSJCV), the public ministry has proposed that seven individual complaints against Mazón, former Justice counselor Salomé Pradas, and other officials be combined into a single case. The allegations lodged against them are serious, encompassing misconduct, involuntary manslaughter, failure to provide assistance, reckless damages, and violations of workers' rights.
Prosecutor María José Montesinos asserts that the complaints highlight the inaction exhibited by Valencian authorities, who allegedly neglected to issue necessary resolutions and decisions under their jurisdiction, despite warnings from various institutions. According to the complainants, this inaction significantly contributed to the catastrophic outcomes of the flooding.
On December 13, the TSJCV had ruled that the various complaints were interconnected and called upon the Prosecutor's Office to evaluate their admissibility and the appropriate jurisdiction for the case. In response, the Prosecutor's Office recommended that an Investigating Court conduct an extensive inquiry to clarify individual accountability among the implicated officials. If the investigation uncovers sufficient evidence against Mazón, the case may be escalated to the TSJCV due to his status as a privileged individual.
The focus of the complaints is not solely on the Valencian authorities. At least nine separate complaints have also been directed to the Supreme Court against members of the central government, including President Pedro Sánchez, Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska, and Vice President Teresa Ribera. These officials are accused of involuntary manslaughter and failure to assist in the emergency, drawing criticism for not activating a state of emergency or effectively managing the situation.
Additionally, the Júcar Hydrographic Confederation, which operates under the Ministry of Ecological Transition, has faced scrutiny for alleged shortcomings in coordination and communication during the crisis. The situation has been further exacerbated by accusations from the Peoples Party, which has characterized the response to the disaster as an 'informational blackout.'
As this investigation unfolds, it raises significant questions about the accountability of public officials in times of crisis and the necessity for governments to act decisively to protect citizens during emergencies. The residents of Valencia, affected by this tragic event, are watching closely as the legal proceedings develop.
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