Judiciary Asserts Presumption of Innocence Amid Controversy Over Alves Case Ruling
The General Council of the Judiciary (CGPJ) has issued a unanimous institutional declaration underscoring that support for victims of sexual crimes does not equate to abandoning the presumption of innocence, a fundamental right. This announcement comes in response to comments made by Spain's First Vice President and Minister of Finance, María Jesús Montero, related to the recent ruling in the Dani Alves case.
The CGPJ's statement responds to widespread discussions prompted by the decision of the Superior Court of Justice of Catalonia (TSJC), which acquitted former footballer Dani Alves of charges of sexual assault. Alves had previously been sentenced to four and a half years in prison by the Barcelona Court for this crime. Following the TSJC ruling, Montero criticized the court's decision as disgraceful, implying that the credibility of a victim's testimony was being undermined in favor of the presumption of innocence, particularly in cases involving powerful public figures.
Although the CGPJ does not explicitly mention Montero in its declaration, judicial sources have indicated to Europa Press that her remarks were influential in shaping this response. The council stated, "The protection and support for victims, especially of crimes against sexual freedom, does not imply renouncing the presumption of innocence, which is a fundamental right."
Furthermore, the CGPJ highlighted the responsibility of political representatives to balance their right to critique judicial decisions with the necessity of maintaining public trust in the judiciary. They emphasized that the review process by higher courts over lower court decisions is standard within the legal system, which is designed to ensure the accuracy of judicial outcomes.
The council reiterated that the ruling by the TSJC is subject to the same procedural laws and review processes as any other judicial decision, thus affirming the integrity of their legal framework.
In addition, the CGPJ expressed confidence in the professionalism and expertise of the judges involved in this case, both from the Provincial Court of Barcelona and the TSJC, emphasizing their full support regardless of the outcomes of their judgements. This declaration serves to reinforce the importance of the presumption of innocence while simultaneously advocating for the rights and voices of victims in the ongoing battle against sexual crimes.
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