Miguel Ángel Revilla's Defiance: Lawsuit from Former King Juan Carlos I Heads to Trial
Former Cantabria President Miguel Ángel Revilla stood firm during a conciliation act regarding the lawsuit filed against him by former King Juan Carlos I, asserting that he will maintain his statements about the monarch. Revilla expressed calmness and support from fellow citizens as he entered the Court of Justice of Cantabria, surrounded by journalists and cameras.
The conciliation attempt, which began at 10:00 AM, ultimately failed to reach an agreement, leading Revilla to anticipate a trial. He reiterated that his comments concerning the former king were not fabricated but rather reflective of widely held public sentiments. "It has been a huge disappointment because I have been a great defender of the king," stated Revilla, highlighting his past support for Juan Carlos.
During the proceedings, the royal defense accused Revilla of lying about alleged corruption and allegations involving the misuse of state resources. However, Revilla responded outside the court, claiming, "I have merely been a spokesperson for what most Spaniards think.” He noted the widespread disappointment in Juan Carlos's actions, emphasizing that he had dedicated a book to the former monarch just 15 years ago.
Revilla also pointed out that while media outlets, including The New York Times, reported on Juan Carlos’s wealth, which is speculated to be around 2 billion euros, the former king only chose to target him with this lawsuit, rather than numerous publications.
Despite the backlash, Revilla shared a silver lining to the situation, stating that he has received support from citizens, many of whom approach him with encouragement. As he exited the courthouse, he was greeted by supporters who expressed solidarity with his stance.
Juan Carlos I is demanding a public retraction and 50,000 euros in damages from Revilla for what he claims are defamatory statements. Revilla expressed disappointment over the absence of the former king at the conciliation act and insisted that he should issue a sincere apology. He added that the forthcoming trial could reveal significant information surrounding the case.
Revilla concluded with a poignant question, asking why a normal citizen like himself is being sued for simply expressing his opinion on a matter that has garnered significant public discourse. With the stage set for a potentially revealing trial, the spotlight now shifts back to the actions and legacy of Juan Carlos I.
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