Spain’s New Top Prosecutor Under Fire for Pandemic-Era Decisions & Support of Controversial Law
Madrid, Spain – Teresa Peramato, recently appointed as Spain’s State Attorney General, is facing immediate scrutiny over her past actions and public statements, particularly her support for a large feminist demonstration held on March 8, 2020 – just as the COVID-19 pandemic was taking hold – and her staunch defense of the now-infamous “Only Yes is Yes” law. This breaking news is rapidly gaining traction as concerns mount regarding the timing of decisions made during the pandemic’s initial wave and the unintended consequences of progressive legislation.
8-M March: A Point of Contention
The March 8, 2020 (8-M) feminist demonstration in Madrid has become a focal point of controversy. Critics point to the event – attended by thousands – as a potential super-spreader event, occurring just days before widespread lockdowns were implemented. Peramato publicly voiced her support for the march on Twitter (now X) hours before it began, despite warnings from health professionals advising against mass gatherings. At the time, Spain already had 282 confirmed coronavirus cases and three deaths. The government, led by Pedro Sánchez, was accused of delaying stricter measures to allow the march to proceed, with slogans like “machismo kills more than the coronavirus” prominently displayed.
The timeline is stark: the day after the march, schools in the Community of Madrid were closed. Two days later, sporting events were moved behind closed doors. Finally, on March 14th, a state of alarm was declared, and a national confinement began. Some estimates suggest that delaying confinement by even a few days could have significantly increased the death toll, potentially saving 80% of lives lost in the subsequent two months. This isn’t simply a historical debate; it’s a critical examination of leadership during a crisis and the balance between public health and political considerations.
The ‘Only Yes is Yes’ Law: Unintended Consequences
Beyond the pandemic response, Peramato’s unwavering support for the “Only Yes is Yes” law – officially the Comprehensive Law on Sexual Freedom – is drawing criticism. She previously described the bill as “very good,” believing it would “protect victims more.” However, the law has been widely condemned for a significant flaw: it led to the reduction of sentences for over 1,250 sexual offenders and the release of 126 convicted criminals. This occurred due to a change in the sentencing guidelines and the application of retroactive criminal law.
While Peramato has acknowledged the sentence reductions “overshadowed” the law’s intended benefits, the damage is done. The case highlights the complexities of legal reform and the importance of thoroughly assessing potential unintended consequences. This situation underscores a broader debate about the effectiveness of well-intentioned legislation and the need for careful drafting and implementation. Evergreen Insight: The “Only Yes is Yes” law serves as a cautionary tale for lawmakers worldwide, emphasizing the necessity of rigorous impact assessments before enacting sweeping legal changes.
Alignment with Previous Leadership & Stance on Pornography
Peramato’s appointment also raises questions about the independence of the Public Ministry. She previously expressed support for her predecessor, Dolores Delgado, following comments by Sánchez questioning the Prosecutor’s Office’s autonomy. Furthermore, Peramato has taken a firm stance against pornography, advocating for its criminalization, including AI-generated content, stating, “We must send a clear message: both the creation of pornography, such as the dissemination, whether with real or fictitious images, is a crime.”
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The appointment of Teresa Peramato, coupled with her past actions, signals a continuation of a particular ideological direction within the Spanish legal system. As she settles into her role, the focus will undoubtedly remain on her commitment to impartiality and her ability to navigate the complex challenges facing the nation, particularly in the wake of these highly sensitive and publicly debated issues.
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