The National Court has expressed its support for Judge María Tardón for her role in the investigations into the massive influx of migrants in Ceuta, rejecting the claims made by Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska regarding the impact on national security.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Governing Chamber of the National Court affirmed its “absolute backing for the actions of the investigating magistrate.” The Chamber emphasized that Tardón’s actions “have not interfered with national security”; instead, it asserts that her work is “for the preservation and defense of the general interest of Spain” within the limits of her jurisdictional functions. Additionally, it was reported that the magistrate received a letter from the Civil Guard on the same day.
The Governing Chamber reacted to a letter from Grande-Marlaska addressed to the President of the Supreme Court and the General Council of the Judiciary, Isabel Perelló, in which the minister criticized Tardón for not sharing with political leaders the data presented to the court by the National Police in the context of the criminal investigation.
Grande-Marlaska argued that the police information was of “great interest” to the ministry and that it was crucial for the Government to fulfill its responsibilities in domestic, foreign, and state defense policies. While not evaluating this claim, the Governing Chamber recalled the legal framework governing the actions of the Judicial Police, citing the Royal Decree of 1987, which establishes that police units are under the functional direction of the judges, courts, or public prosecutors in charge of each case.
The body of the National Court also highlighted that officials must maintain a “strict confidentiality” regarding the status of investigations and the information obtained during them, in accordance with the Criminal Procedure Law, the Law on Security Forces and Bodies, and the Constitution.
Furthermore, it emphasized Article 126 of the Constitution, which stipulates that the Judicial Police must operate under the supervision of judges and courts in the investigation of crimes. For the National Court, this provision is fundamental to ensuring judicial independence. The agreement concluded that Tardón’s actions fall within her competencies, as she directs a criminal investigation and can request reports from the security forces, stating that her work contributes to the defense of the general interest.
Source: www.infobae.com
