Madrid Courts Suspend Denial of Study Permits for Malinche Interns Amid Legal Controversy
The Administrative Contentious Courts 6 and 9 of Madrid have provisionally suspended the rejection of study permit extensions for interns involved in the musical 'Malinche,' while legal proceedings against producer Nacho Cano unfold regarding alleged irregular hiring of immigrants. According to a ruling from Court number 9 of Madrid, reported by Europa Press, the interns will be allowed to remain in the country, as the requested permit is deemed not to pose serious harm to public interest or third parties.
The judge indicated that denying the extension of study permits would result in irreparable harm for these interns, as it would impede their ability to undertake their studies in Spain. This decision marks a significant moment, as it is the first ruling from the courts responding to the precautionary suspension request made by twenty young Mexicans who traveled to Spain for internships in the musical.
The attorney representing the interns, José Luis González, has expressed intentions to inform the other administrative contentious courts handling concurrent appeals, aiming for consistency in the measures taken regarding this matter. The courts' ruling effectively prevents the Government Delegation from imposing any restrictions that would compromise the interns' legal status in Spain.
In a statement reflecting on the decision, the students' legal representative noted that these rulings compel the Government Delegation to acknowledge the interns' legal presence in Spain for academic purposes until the conclusion of the entire legal process.
Furthermore, the rulings from both courts bolster Nacho Cano’s argument that the interns maintained a lawful status throughout their time in Spain. The producer has continuously asserted that the young individuals applied correctly for their student visas, ensuring their legal stay.
Recent developments in the case include revelations from Cano's legal team, who submitted WhatsApp messages purportedly from the intern who initially accused him. Those messages allegedly reveal the intern's demand for €6,000 and a letter of recommendation in exchange for not pursuing legal action. In an additional turn, the Madrid Prosecutor's Office has announced its decision to close the case due to insufficient evidence to support criminal charges stemming from the intern's complaint, which previously led to Cano's arrest.
As this case continues to unfold, the interns’ future in Spain hangs in a precarious balance, kept afloat by judicial intervention while broader legal questions surrounding their status and the allegations against Cano remain unresolved. The eventual outcomes will significantly impact the lives and careers of these young interns, as well as the ongoing discourse on labor rights and the treatment of immigrant workers in the creative industries.
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