Sumar Faces Backlash Over Harassment Allegations Against Former Spokesperson Íñigo Errejón
Sumar's leadership has publicly acknowledged its failure in detecting cases of harassment and sexual violence involving Íñigo Errejón, the party's former spokesperson. The organization has expressed unconditional support for victims of these regrettable incidents, emphasizing a commitment to accountability and reform.
In a recent statement, the party made it clear that their foremost priority is to support the women who have suffered due to Errejón's alleged actions. Leaders within Sumar, including spokesperson Urtasun, stated, 'Our first words must be a very clear message of support to all the women who have suffered harassment and sexual violence by our former spokesperson.' This sentiment was echoed throughout the party, underlining the seriousness of the allegations.
As the public became aware of the first testimonies detailing the alleged harassment, Sumar's leadership acted with urgency. Their immediate steps included gathering more information and demanding explanations from Errejón. Urtasun addressed the need for the former spokesperson to take responsibility, describing the gathered information as 'devastating for society, for us, for everyone.' He emphasized that the failures of detection and prevention mechanisms must be urgently addressed to prevent such occurrences from happening again.
Amanda Andrades, Sumar's secretary of feminisms, reiterated the call for an overhaul of the party's mechanisms for detecting and preventing harassment. 'We have decided to initiate the necessary actions to ensure that these situations are addressed differently,' she stated, focusing on the imperative for change and better support systems within the party.
The leadership has committed to taking necessary actions moving forward, which includes exploring various avenues for reparations and ensuring victims' voices are prioritized. Urtasun mentioned that had the relevant information been disclosed earlier, Errejón might have resigned from his positions immediately. 'As soon as we learned of these allegations, we acted swiftly and decisively,' he assured.
In a defense of the second deputy prime minister, Yolanda Díaz, Urtasun clarified that her involvement in the situation has been significant, noting that she was the first person to demand accountability from Errejón. This indicates a level of responsibility shared within the party's leadership regarding the handling of such allegations.
Andrades concluded by stressing the importance of creating a safe environment and ensuring that such incidents do not happen again. 'It is one of the options we have for reparation,' she explained, further highlighting the party's commitment to change and accountability in the wake of these troubling revelations. The situation remains a critical concern for Sumar, as it navigates the complexities of internal reforms while aiming to uphold the values of support, respect, and safety for all individuals.
Related Sources: