Prosecutor Seeks Acquittal in Harassment and Stabbing Case Involving Police Commissioner Villarejo
A Spanish prosecutor has controversially recommended acquittal for businessman Javier López Madrid, accused of orchestrating a harassment campaign against Dr. Elisa Pinto that culminated in a stabbing attack. The decision, stemming from a case steeped in allegations of corruption and abuse of power, has ignited debate over the limits of proof and the potential for influence within the justice system.
The case centers around accusations that López Madrid hired then-Police Commissioner José Manuel Villarejo in 2013 to target Dr. Pinto, a dermatologist who had previously treated the businessman and his family. The prosecution maintains that the businessman knowingly engaged Villarejo while he was an active member of law enforcement. However, the prosecutor argues that “suspicions” against López Madrid remain unproven, specifically citing the inability to establish a direct financial link between Villar Mir, an advisor to the group, and Villarejo’s parallel private company.
Despite acknowledging indications that Villarejo may have received funds from López Madrid, the prosecutor’s final report to the National Court states that this could not be “sufficiently corroborated.” This stance sharply contrasts with that of Dr. Pinto’s lawyer, Ana Blanco, who has vehemently accused both López Madrid and Villarejo of inflicting a “civil death” upon her client, characterizing the harassment as the work of a “textbook psychopath.” Blanco is seeking a six-year prison sentence for both men, alleging they committed bribery by using Villarejo’s police position to manipulate judicial procedures and damage Dr. Pinto’s credibility, potentially with the assistance of individuals “above” them.
The defense team for López Madrid and Villarejo are pushing for a full acquittal, and have challenged Dr. Pinto’s testimony, claiming her account of the relationship with López Madrid is inaccurate. They allege the relationship began as a professional one, but evolved into a personal connection, and that her claims of non-consent are false. As evidence to refute the hiring of Villarejo, the defense presented a 2017 conversation in which Villarejo discussed seeking money from López Madrid to extricate himself from a difficult situation – described as being in an “embolao.”
The current trial is focused on the harassment and alleged conspiracy, but a separate trial is scheduled to begin next month concerning the actual stabbing of Dr. Pinto, in which Villarejo has been identified as the perpetrator. The case has unfolded over thirteen years, a period Dr. Pinto herself described as “hell” during her testimony. She detailed a pattern of escalating abuse, beginning with harassment following her attempt to end a personal relationship with López Madrid, progressing to death threats against her and her family – including her two young children at the time – and culminating in two physical assaults, one of which involved a stabbing. Dr. Pinto positively identified Villarejo as her attacker, first from a photograph and later in a police lineup.
Dr. Pinto recounted meeting López Madrid in 2012 as a patient. Their relationship evolved beyond professional boundaries, with an exchange of phone numbers leading to personal contact. When she sought to end the contact, she alleges the harassment and threats began, ultimately resulting in a violent attack.
The outcome of this case will undoubtedly be closely watched, given Villarejo’s extensive history and involvement in numerous high-profile investigations, including the procés, 11-M, 17-A, Gürtel, Nòos, and cases involving ETA members. The case underscores the complexities of prosecuting corruption and abuse of power within the intertwined worlds of politics, business, and law enforcement.
