Court case against top Spanish judge

Spain’s top court is hearing a complaint against one of the country’s most prominent judges.

Baltasar Garzon, who has vigorously pursued alleged human rights violations around the world, is facing claims of professional misconduct. Two groups, including a far-right trade union, accuse Garzon of overstepping his powers by investigating claims of abuses during the Franco regime. One man outside the court said: “We are all with Garzon.” Another man said: “He’s a man who defends the interests of the entire world, and he has the support of the International Commission of Jurists.” Last year Garzon accused dictator Franco and his collaborators of being responsible for the disappearance of more than 100,000 people. The order was made for mass graves to be dug up, but the judge was then forced to drop his inquiry. Prosecutors said they had to respect a 1977 amnesty granted for Franco crimes.More about: Spain

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