Mar 10 • 11:31 UTC 🇪🇸 Spain El País

The Prosecutor's Office requests to reopen the case against Hazte Oír for the banner that called Sánchez "corrupt" in front of Congress

The Madrid Prosecutor's Office has requested the reopening of the investigation into Hazte Oír for displaying a banner that labeled the Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez as "corrupt."

The Prosecutor's Office in Madrid is taking action to reopen a case against the organization Hazte Oír, which previously faced scrutiny for unfurling a large banner in front of the Spanish Congress that accused Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez of being "corrupt." Initially, the case was shelved by Judge María Dolores Baeza, who deemed the action to be within the public's right to criticize political figures and lacking any significant legal ramifications. However, the Prosecutor's Office argues that the previous dismissal was premature and did not adequately consider pending evidence, specifically a police report that is still to be received.

The display of the banner took place on May 19, 2025, on a prominent building in Madrid, and elicited significant public and media attention, serving as a focal point for discussions around freedom of expression and political accountability in Spain. Hazte Oír, an ultra-Catholic organization, has been known for its controversial tactics in advocating its views, often leading to debates about the limits of protest and political criticism. The renewed investigation underscores the tension between protecting free speech and addressing potentially defamatory public statements made about political leaders.

The implications of reopening the case could resonate beyond the immediate situation concerning Hazte Oír, as it raises broader questions about the legal boundaries of political expression in Spain and the state's role in regulating speech that might be deemed offensive. If the investigation proceeds, it may set important precedents for how similar cases are handled in the future, influencing the landscape of political discourse in the country.

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