In a significant ruling, Spanish judge María Dolores Baeza has dismissed the case against the ultra-Catholic group Hazte Oír, which faced legal actions after displaying a massive banner reading 'corrupt' directed at Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez across from the Congress. The judge determined that this act is legally protected under the right to criticize political authorities, as it does not promote violence or encourage hate speech. This judgment upheld the principle of free expression in political discourse, which is especially pertinent in a highly polarized political environment in Spain.

The controversy erupted when Hazte Oír, on May 19, 2025, unfurled a 253-square-meter banner in front of the congressional building on Carrera de San Jerónimo. The provocative nature of the banner and its central focus on Sánchez, who leads the Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE), stirred significant media and public attention, highlighting the tensions between conservative and socialist factions in the country. In reaction to the ruling, PSOE officials have announced plans to appeal, indicating that political and ideological battles surrounding this case are far from over.

This case not only underscores the importance of free speech in the political arena but also reflects ongoing societal divisions in Spain regarding political expression and dissent. The ruling could set a precedent for future cases involving political criticism and public expression, potentially emboldening similar actions by other groups while continuing to raise questions about the boundaries of political discourse and the implications it has for democratic engagement in Spain.