Prosecutors Decline to Charge Carlos Mazón in DANA Case, Seek Further Investigation

The Superior Prosecutors Office of the Community of Valencia has announced its decision to refrain from charging Carlos Mazón in the ongoing DANA case due to insufficient evidence at this time. This statement from the Prosecutors Office indicates that they have not gathered enough solid information to justify an indictment against the former president of Valencia. The Prosecutors Office has requested that the Valencian High Court of Justice return the proceedings to the Court of First Instance and Instruction Number 3 in Catarroja. This move aims to continue the investigation, following a report that has currently paused the reasoned exposition submitted by Judge Nuria Ruiz Tobarra from Catarroja. Judge Tobarra, who is overseeing the DANA case, had previously indicated potential criminal responsibility on part of Mazón. In a written request dated February 24, she highlighted Mazón's voluntary exclusion during an emergency as being significantly impactful, contributing to the tragic outcomes that left 230 individuals dead or injured on October 29, 2024. This omission has been described as comparable to direct action. Despite the current decision not to charge Mazón, the Prosecutors Office has not completely ruled out the possibility of eventual criminal implications. They have emphasized that further investigation is essential and that new declarations or documentary evidence may emerge during the process. Such evidence could potentially support the theory that Mazón had issued specific orders or instructions pertinent to the management of the emergency incident. The Valencian High Court of Justice (TSJCV) is responsible for deliberating on this matter, taking into account the opinions of other parties involved, including popular accusations, private parties, and defenses. The court has a panel composed of President Manuel Baeza and justices Pía Calderón, José Francisco Ceres, Antonio Ferrer, and Vicente Torres. As the investigation continues, the accountability of Mazón could still be pursued, especially given that he remains a deputy in Les Corts despite his departure from the presidency of the Generalitat. Other individuals being investigated in connection with the case include former Minister of Justice and Interior Salomé Pradas and her former deputy, Emilio Argüeso. The outcomes of this ongoing investigation could have significant implications for all parties involved. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2