Podemos Addresses Sexual Violence Accusations: Leadership Responds to Controversy
In a recent statement, Ione Belarra, the leader of the Spanish political party Podemos, provided insights into the handling of sexual violence allegations against one of the party’s founders, Juan Carlos Monedero. Belarra revealed that the decision not to publicly disclose these allegations earlier was made to protect the anonymity and privacy of the victims. According to her, the victims had explicitly requested that the matter be managed internally and emphasized their desire for discretion.
"They asked us for anonymity; they asked us for discretion, and in that sense, what they requested most emphatically was that he be removed from public activities of the party. This was done immediately from the moment we had knowledge of the complaints," Belarra stated while addressing the media, prior to her participation in an event at the Congress of Deputies.
Irene Montero, a Member of the European Parliament from Podemos and former Minister of Equality, also took to her social media account to reiterate the party's commitment to ensuring that it is a safe environment for women, rather than being driven by the desire to avoid media scandals.
Despite assertions from Belarra that until September 2023, Podemos was unaware of any allegations against Monedero, elDiarioes reported that the first complaint emerged in 2016. Belarra clarified that it was only in September 2023 that Podemos received testimonies from two women regarding the allegations, prompting the removal of Monedero from party activities.
Monedero is currently being investigated by the Complutense University of Madrid following a harassment complaint made by a student. Although he has not held a position in Podemos’s leadership since 2015, Monedero remains a member of the party. Belarra has not ruled out the possibility of suspending his membership, stating there are confidential mechanisms in place for women to report any instances of sexual violence within the party.
"If the procedure continues at the request of the victims, then action will be taken, and the Guarantees Commission will act. But it has to be the victims who want to proceed; we cannot act on their behalf," she emphasized.
Furthermore, Belarra distanced Podemos from Sumar, another political entity, while reflecting on the handling of such cases. She criticized the organization for not addressing their issues in the same transparent manner as Podemos has done, although she refrained from directly naming Sumar’s former spokesperson Íñigo Errejón, linked to recent controversies.
In her closing remarks, she also called upon the media to reassess how it treats such sensitive issues, arguing that the current narrative often sidelines victims rather than focusing on their experiences.
Podemos has reiterated its commitment to being a safe space for women and has taken measures to address these serious allegations responsibly and compassionately. As the investigation continues, the involvement and wishes of the victims remain paramount in guiding the party's responses.
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