Spaniards demand Truth Commission to deal with Francoist crimes
Garzón at today's rally. Photo EFE.
Attendees at the rally for a Truth Commission. Photo Isabel Pinar, AABI.
At a manifestation held today at the central Plaza del Sol in Madrid today, several thousand Spaniards–including lawyers, victims, family members, and public intellectuals–demanded the creation of a Truth Commission to properly deal with the unresolved judicial and human-rights legacy of the crimes against humanity committed during the Spanish Civil War and the Franco regime, Público reports. The judicial investigation of these crimes was initiated in 2008 by Judge Baltasar Garzón, but has languished in Spain since Garzón’s indictement and disbarment. (In the face of Spain’s passivity, an Argentine judge has taken up the victims’ case.) Speakers at the event included, among others, former state prosecutor Carlos Jiménez Villarejo, lawyer Cristina Almeida, actress activist Pilar Bardem, union leader Ignacio Fernández Toxo, and Garzón himself.
I read an article about former Nazi getting arrested for what he did to the jews during the Nazi regime. I think the same should go to Francoist crimes.
The enormous turnout of this rally goes to show that although the Francoist regime is history, it’s impact on Spain is still strong. It is essential that the judicial investigation of the crimes committed by the Francoist regime is continued. In order for the nation to move on and progress it must settle the lingering matters of the past. It is irresponsible to not address the concerns of the victims of war crimes committed by a past Spanish government, even though it is no longer in power.