Madrid – February 13, 2026 – Ángela Murillo, a pioneering figure in Spanish law and the first woman to join the Penal Chamber of the National Court in 1993, has died at the age of 74, the court confirmed today. Her passing marks the end of an era for the Spanish judiciary.
A Trailblazer in Spain’s Legal System
Murillo dedicated over four decades to the Spanish legal system, leaving an indelible mark on landmark cases involving terrorism, corruption, and political intrigue.
- Ángela Murillo served 31 years at the National Court, retiring in September 2024.
- She was instrumental in prosecuting ETA members and tackling high-profile corruption scandals.
- A memorable moment in her career involved a pointed response to a lawyer during the trial of Arnaldo Otegi.
- Despite facing criticism, Murillo maintained a reputation for fairness and a unique judicial style.
Murillo, who retired in September 2024, spent more than 40 years in the judiciary, becoming deeply involved in the fight against ETA and presiding over some of Spain’s most publicized trials. Her career spanned cases from the “Nécora” drug trafficking investigation shortly after joining the National Court, to the “black cards” affair, the Bankia (formerly Caja Madrid) stock market listing, and trials involving an Al Qaeda cell in Spain, EH-Bildu leader Arnaldo Otegi, and former police commissioner José Villarejo.
What was the source of the controversy surrounding Judge Murillo’s handling of the Otegi case? Murillo’s direct and sometimes unconventional approach occasionally led to controversy, most notably a rebuke from the European Court of Human Rights (TEDH). The court found that Spain had not guaranteed a fair trial after Murillo responded dismissively to Otegi’s lawyer, Ione Goirizelaia, when she requested water for her client during the Bateragune case—a trial concerning the attempted reconstruction of the outlawed Batasuna organization. Murillo’s response, “a mí como si bebe vino” (“to me, it’s as if he’s drinking wine”), sparked the dispute.
The incident drew both criticism and a surprising amount of support for Murillo, even inspiring the formation of a fan club. Despite the fallout, she maintained she had a good relationship with Otegi, even cherishing a copy of John Carlin’s book on Nelson Mandela, “Playing the Enemy,” gifted to her by the Basque leader with a heartfelt inscription. She commented that “courtesy doesn’t preclude firmness.”
Known for her down-to-earth demeanor and “extremeño” wit, Murillo created a relaxed atmosphere in the courtroom, even when reprimanding defendants or lawyers, often employing subtle irony. Upon her retirement, she expressed satisfaction with her career, stating she had always done “what she wanted” and had never faced any undue pressure – “and if they had even thought about it…,” she joked.
Murillo’s long career began in 1980 at a court in Lora del Río (Seville) at the age of 25, coinciding with the most violent period of ETA’s activities. She was herself a target of the terrorist group in 1997 and played a key role in dismantling its political, financial, and media apparatus through the EKIN trial, officially known as “18/98.” The trial, which began on November 21, 2005, and concluded on December 19, 2007, resulted in the conviction of 47 of the 56 defendants for involvement in the terrorist organization. The process took a personal toll, as her partner underwent major surgery and later died during the trial, but she remained committed to presiding over the proceedings, balancing court appearances with hospital visits.
Following the decline of ETA, the National Court increasingly focused on corruption cases. A pioneer in the judicial system, Murillo was the first woman to preside over a Penal Section of the National Court in 2008, a position she held until her retirement in September 2024, after issuing her final rulings, including one addressing the Tándem case involving the espionage activities of Villarejo.
Ángela Murillo was born in Almendralejo (Badajoz) on September 13, 1952.
