Struggle for Justice: Nursing Home Crisis in Madrid Heads Back to Court After Five Years
It was not an ordinary morning around the courts of Plaza Castilla as affected individuals, part of the so-called 'protocols of shame,' gathered outside the judicial body hoping to finally obtain truth and justice after five long years. Countless actions have been taken to shed light on the tragic events that occurred in Madrid nursing homes in 2020, and it seems that one of the appeals is finally gaining traction. For the first time during this entire period, former officials from Isabel Díaz Ayuso's government are set to testify as defendants in an ongoing case concerning the government's handling of the pandemic, particularly the controversial decision to prevent the transfer of elderly individuals from nursing homes to hospitals in March and April of 2020. Phrases like 'they were going to die anyway,' attributed to the Madrid president, linger ominously in the collective memory.
This historic event saw Carlos Mur and Francisco Javier Martínez Peromingo, alongside Dr. Antonio Burgueño, the former health advisor to the Community of Madrid, summoned for questioning. However, the anticipation of those waiting outside the courts turned to disappointment when the session was abruptly suspended. Lawyers for the defendants claimed they had not received all necessary documentation, confirming the postponement at noon on Monday.
Many perceived this as yet another delaying tactic, a strategy to avoid addressing the victims' demands for clarity and justice regarding what transpired. "We will continue to present evidence, and we are absolutely clear that 7,291 discriminatory actions will not go unpunished," declared Eduardo Ranz, one of the plaintiff lawyers, flanked by his colleagues Alejandra Jacinto and Carlos Castillo.
Despite this setback, supported by various victim associations, the commitment to uncover the truth remains unwavering. "Since the tragedy occurred, we have been treated poorly, ignored, and obstacles have been placed in our path. This is just another one, but we will not stop until we achieve truth and justice," emphasized a spokesperson for the advocacy groups outside Plaza Castilla courts, whose collective spirit remained resolute.
The main target of public ire, former health advisor Burgueño, was met with shouts and boos upon his arrival, a testament to the pain and anger experienced by countless families. Chants of 'Shame 7921' and 'Shameless' echoed as attendees voiced their frustration over the apparent evasions by Mur and Martínez Peromingo in dodging accountability.
The indictment that summoned them stemmed from a collective complaint organized by 109 family members of the victims, supported by associations such as Marea de Residencias and 7291 Truth and Justice, filed last October. The complaint alleges that several high-ranking officials in the regional government committed a crime of discriminatory denial of healthcare assistance based on disability.
This case arose following earlier complaints that yielded disappointing results. Out of the 53 plaintiffs represented by the Provincial Prosecutors Office, 44 had previously filed complaints that were archived for homicide or failure to assist, while another four remain in the instruction phase. Although the fight for justice may seem interminable, a glimmer of hope appears to be breaking through after five years of relentless struggle. According to plaintiff lawyer Jacinto, the legal prescription of the events, which falls within the five-year limitation, has been halted. However, the timeline for resuming judicial proceedings remains uncertain after this postponement.
The unfolding courtroom drama has prompted significant reactions from various political parties, with many aligning themselves with the victims' quest for justice five years later. PSOE spokesperson Esther Peña criticized Madrid president Isabel Díaz Ayuso for attempting to trivialize the deaths in nursing homes, while Podemos spokesperson Pablo Fernández stressed the need for accountability among those who played a role in these 'protocols of shame.'
His sentiments were echoed by Más Madrid spokesperson Rita Maestre, who emphasized that the defendants must be held accountable for denying medical assistance to thousands. In contrast, Madrid Mayor José Luis Martínez Almeida pointed to the 60 archived complaints regarding the nursing home protocols and criticized those exploiting death for political agendas.
As this legal case continues to unfold, the pressing question remains: when will justice finally be served for those who perished during what has been described as a neglectful handling of the pandemic? The fight for accountability and recognition of the suffering endured by families is far from over.
Related Sources: