The court investigating Íñigo Errejón for the complaint of sexual violence presented by Elisa Mouliaá has decided, at the request of the complainant herself for health reasons of her lawyer, to suspend all deadlines and proceedings in the case. This includes the suspension of the statements of both Mouliaá and Errejón scheduled for this Tuesday 12 November in Plaza de Castilla in Madrid. Mouliaá’s legal representation has already asked to delay her statement as it is collecting testimonies from other women who would like to report former MP Sumar.
Elisa Mouliaá’s defense coordinates the complaint of several women against Errejón
The actress filed a complaint against the former politician, reporting that in September 2021 she had been the victim of sexual violence at a party where they met. According to this complaint, Errejón closed the door of the room they were in and then subjected her to some touching which, as he explains, never had her consent. The Police sent the complaint directly to the Madrid courts and the investigator, after having ascertained that Íñigo Errejón is no longer a member of parliament, opened proceedings against him.
The judge’s first action was to call the two to testify, but no such appearances have yet occurred. Mouliaá, through his lawyer, asked to suspend his testimony and this was postponed until November 12, the date on which Errejón also had to
Íñigo Errejón left his positions of political responsibility as deputy of Sumar and parliamentary spokesperson of the party when the journalist Cristina Fallarás published the testimony of a woman who claimed to have been the victim of sexist attitudes by a politician. In front of his party, Errejón acknowledged the facts of which he was accused and left his deputy report.
Legal sources explain to elDiario.es that the case is suspended until the lawyer defending Mouliaá receives medical leave. At the moment the only procedure started has been the declaration of both, scheduled for Tuesday 12 November and which now awaits a new announcement.
Interview between Time.news Editor and Legal Expert
Time.news Editor: Welcome to the Time.news interview segment. Today, we have with us Dr. Ana Villanueva, a legal expert specializing in sexual violence cases. Ana, thank you for joining us.
Dr. Ana Villanueva: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to be here.
Editor: We’re following the case involving Íñigo Errejón and Elisa Mouliaá closely, especially after the recent decision by the court to suspend proceedings for health reasons related to Mouliaá’s lawyer. What’s your take on the implications of suspending a case like this?
Dr. Villanueva: Suspension of proceedings like this—especially at the request of the complainant—can indicate the complexity and sensitivity of the situation. It allows both parties to take necessary steps to ensure proper representation and testimony. In this case, Mouliaá’s team is also gathering testimonies from other women considering coming forward, which suggests the existence of a broader pattern that may need to be addressed.
Editor: It does seem to add layers to the case. Given the gravity of such allegations, how important is it for the legal process to accommodate the health and well-being of complainants and their legal teams?
Dr. Villanueva: It’s crucial. The legal system must prioritize the well-being of those involved. Delays can be frustrating, but mental health support and thorough preparation can lead to a more effective and just process in the long run. The courage it takes to come forward cannot be overstated, and it’s essential that the complainants feel secure and supported throughout proceedings.
Editor: Mouliaá’s legal team is gathering testimonies from other women. How does this impact the investigation and potentially the verdict?
Dr. Villanueva: Collecting additional testimonies can significantly strengthen the case. It may show a pattern of behavior and create a broader narrative around the allegations, which can influence how the court perceives the credibility of the complainants’ claims. The weight of collective testimony can also make it difficult for a defendant to refute multiple accounts of similar circumstances.
Editor: There’s often a societal dimension when high-profile cases like this surface. How do you think this specific case could impact conversations around sexual violence in politics and society at large?
Dr. Villanueva: High-profile cases carry immense significance in shifting societal attitudes. They can prompt discussions about accountability, consent, and the culture surrounding political figures. Each complaint surfaces a myriad of questions about how such allegations are treated both legally and socially, potentially leading to more robust protections for victims and more comprehensive discussions about misconduct in positions of power.
Editor: In light of the complexities involved, what advice would you give to anyone considering coming forward with similar allegations of sexual violence?
Dr. Villanueva: I would advise anyone in such a situation to seek legal advice and support, whether it’s through a professional or support groups that specialize in these issues. It’s also important to gather as much information as possible about the process and possible outcomes. Remember, coming forward is a personal journey, and taking care of one’s mental and emotional health throughout that process is vital.
Editor: Thank you for your insights, Ana. This case continues to unfold, and we appreciate your expertise as we discuss the broader implications. We’ll be keeping a close eye on developments.
Dr. Villanueva: Thank you for having me. It’s important to have these conversations, and I look forward to seeing how this case evolves.
