The Provincial Court of Valencia has upheld a prior ruling not to elevate the case concerning the storm disaster to the higher court. This decision was made in relation to the investigation led by Judge Nuria Ruiz Tobarra in Catarroja, Valencia. The case involves the handling of a severe flood that occurred on October 29, 2024, resulting in 229 fatalities.
Valencia Court Decision on Carlos Mazón
In this recent ruling, the court rejected a request from a private accusation that aimed to investigate Carlos Mazón, the acting president of the Generalitat Valenciana. The accusation argued that Mazón should have asked the central government to declare a national emergency during the catastrophic flood.
Background of the Case
The six judges of the Provincial Court affirmed the decision made by Judge Ruiz Tobarra in May. The judge had previously denied sending a reasoned exposition to the Superior Court of Justice of the Community Valenciana (TSJCV) against Mazón. Her rationale was based on Mazón’s status as an affored individual.
- Date of Flood: October 29, 2024
- Confirmed Deaths: 229
- Judge Involved: Nuria Ruiz Tobarra
- Acting President: Carlos Mazón
Furthermore, Judge Ruiz Tobarra declined to cite the government delegate in Valencia, Pilar Bernabé, as a suspect in this investigation. The Provincial Court reviewed the allegations presented and found the decision by the judge to be reasonable.
Court’s Reasoning
The Provincial Court concluded that the appeal argument did not sufficiently meet the requirements set out by the TSJCV ruling in December 2024. This earlier ruling rejected the opening of an investigation into Mazón based on the accusations against him.
According to the court’s judgment, the appeal did not provide adequate justification for reconsidering the matter. Additionally, the Section Two of the court reaffirmed its rejection of the appeal to charge the government delegate because no new allegations were presented that warranted a different decision from previous resolutions.
Further Developments
The court also issued a secondary ruling that denied another appeal concerning witness testimonies. This appeal called for the former Secretary of State for Security and the Secretary of State for Transport and Sustainable Mobility to be summoned for questioning.
