Santiago Abascal, leader of Spain’s far-right party Vox, is under investigation for making inflammatory comments about Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez of the Socialist Party.
In an interview with Argentine newspaper Clarin on December 10, Abascal suggested that there may come a time when people will want to “hang themselves.” [Sánchez] From your feet. ”
As reported by Spanish news outlet El Pais on Friday and confirmed by elDiario.es, Spain’s public prosecutor’s office has determined whether Mr. Abascal’s comments amount to crimes of libel, defamation, hatred or discrimination, or serious charges against the government. We plan to determine whether this constitutes blackmail.
Socialist party ministers condemned Abascal’s comments.
‘Violence is the opposite of democracy’, government spokesperson Pilar Alegría Said At the time, he expressed hope that Abascal would be convicted.
A week after making the remarks, Abascal said they were metaphorical. He added that he did not want anyone to be hung by their feet, “even…a traitor”, alluding to Sanchez.
Spain’s ruling Socialist Party (PSOE) had filed a complaint claiming that Abascal’s comments could amount to serious threats against the government and hate speech. Because Abascal has representative immunity, the investigation falls within the purview of the High Court prosecutor. Such proceedings do not necessarily lead to litigation. Prosecutors could conclude that Abascal committed no crime or that parliamentary immunity applies.
In January, the PSOE filed another complaint after a crowd of 300 people punched a dummy resembling Sanchez at a New Year’s Eve event in Madrid. The party called for the identification of those responsible for possible “incitement of hatred” against Sanchez.
Mr Sánchez has faced widespread criticism, particularly from right-wing opposition parties and the judiciary, over his controversial amnesty deal with Catalan separatists. This agreement was crucial in securing his new term as Prime Minister.
Sergei Golyashko is hosted by POLITICO under the EU-funded EU4FreeMedia residency program.