Judicial Conduct Under Scrutiny: Investigations Launched Against Judges Velasco and De Lara
The General Council of the Judiciary in Spain has initiated investigations into two judges, Eloy Velasco and Manuel Ruiz de Lara, following public outbursts that have raised serious concerns about their impartiality and conduct.
Judge Eloy Velasco found himself at the center of controversy after comments he made regarding Podemos MEP Irene Montero during a conference on November 13. His remarks, which were shared and reported by Cadena SER, targeted Montero's former career as a supermarket cashier and criticized the 'yes means yes' law, suggesting that she and her party lacked the qualifications to discuss concepts of consent. According to audio and video evidence obtained by El País, Velasco stated, "Suddenly they [Podemos] thought they were teaching us about the world. They tried to explain to us what consent is... from her position at Mercadona, nor will she be able to teach the rest of us."
Velasco's comments did not only attack Montero but also questioned the legitimacy of the coalition government formed by PSOE and Podemos. He asserted, "your legitimacy is much less than if you had won the elections."
In response, Montero defended herself by referencing a General Recommendation from the United Nations concerning women's access to justice, which warns that gender stereotypes within the judicial system can result in biased interpretations of laws by judges. "From cashier to Judge Velasco, comply with the law and get to studying," Montero challenged, emphasizing the importance of impartiality in the judiciary.
Meanwhile, another judge, Manuel Ruiz de Lara, is also under investigation for inappropriate comments made on social media. De Lara has come under scrutiny for tweets that included harsh criticism of the government and derogatory remarks about the country's leadership. His discordant statements included allegations against the Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, labeling him as a "psychopath" and a "pathological liar," further damaging the credibility of the judiciary.
De Lara’s recent tweets, which referred to Sánchez’s wife as "Barbiegoña," compelled the Judicial Council to take action. This marks the second time he has faced disciplinary inquiries, revealing ongoing concerns about his capacity to maintain professional decorum.
The investigations into both judges underscore the delicate balance required in judicial responsibilities, highlighting how public statements by magistrates can undermine trust in the justice system. The actions taken by the General Council of the Judiciary reflect a commitment to uphold integrity within the judicial system amidst rising political tensions.
As these investigations unfold, the implications for both judges and the broader judicial landscape in Spain remain to be seen, particularly in a time where the legitimacy of political figures and institutions is increasingly contested.
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