Garzon supporters rally in Madrid

10/02/12 10:33 CET

world news

| |

The was a show of support on the streets of Madrid for the campaigning Spanish judge Baltasar Garzon, who has been disbarred by the country’s Supreme Court.

The 11 year ban was handed down for illegally recording the conversations some defence lawyers were having with their clients in a corruption case.

He could also face a fine of 2,500 euros.

One supporter who gave his name simply as Roberto said: ‘I think we have to fight against corruption and we are failing to do that right now. That’s why I am here, to see if we can do something about it.’

Another, Alejandro Pedregal, said: ‘I am very upset because the judicial system that we have in Spain is one we inherited from the Franco era in which a judge tries to make justice through a normal procedure in a particular case, and he is prosecuted for that.’

Garzon is also facing trial connected with an inquiry into the murder and forced disappearance of 100,000 people by forces loyal to the former dictator General Franco.

He is well-known for ordering the arrest in London of the former Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet in 1998.

More about: Inquiry, Justice, Protest, Spain

| |

Greek polls soothe euro exit fears

Six new opinion polls all hand Greece’s pro-bailout parties victory in next month’s general election. The results from those voter surveys reassured investors worried about a possible Greek exit if…