New judicial setback for the ultra agitator Vito Quiles. The Criminal Chamber of the Supreme Court has dismissed his complaint against Patxi López for the alleged crimes of hate, threats, and coercion after the socialist spokesperson called him "trash" during a confrontation in Congress. The magistrates consider that the words were excessive, but were protected by the right to freedom of expression.
The court declares itself competent to study the complaint due to López's status as a deputy and a person with special jurisdiction, although it refuses to open a criminal investigation. The order, dated July 14, was adopted unanimously and follows the criteria of the Prosecutor's Office, which had already requested its dismissal, understanding that the facts reported by Quiles lacked criminal relevance.
The confrontation in the Congress press room
The clash occurred on March 24 during a press conference in the Lower House. Quiles approached the socialist spokesperson with a question about the release of the historic ETA leader María Soledad Iparraguirre, known as 'Anboto', and recalled the assassination of socialist councilman Isaías Carrasco.
Patxi López responded harshly and directed several expressions against the agitator. "You are trash", "people like you are authentic trash" and "you will not be in Congress again" were some of the phrases later included in the complaint.
The deputy also stated that he would personally ensure his return was prevented and that he would soon get "what he deserved". Quiles went to the Supreme Court the next day and attributed possible crimes of threats, coercion, and hate to those words.
The Supreme Court protects the words due to their political context
The Second Chamber admits that López's expressions were "excessive, in their form and content", but recalls that they were uttered during a political exchange and before a person with high public exposure. This context broadens the protection of freedom of expression, even when the words used are offensive or particularly harsh.
The magistrates specify that López was not protected by parliamentary immunity at that time either. The dismissal is directly based on freedom of expression and on the constitutional doctrine that grants reinforced protection to opinions on matters of general interest and to confrontations between public figures.
The auto recalls that those who habitually intervene in political debate must endure a higher level of criticism. Protection also extends to annoying, hurtful, or unpleasant expressions, provided they remain within the limits established by criminal law.
"You're going to get what you deserve" was not a threat either
The Supreme Court specifically analyzes López's announcement that Quiles would stop entering Congress and that he himself would be responsible for achieving this. The Chamber rejects that these words announced the intention to cause him unlawful harm. For the court, the socialist leader was referring to the presentation of the necessary legal and parliamentary actions to prevent his access to the Chamber, a possibility that does not meet the requirements to appreciate a crime of threats.
The magistrates even rule out the minor modality of that crime and also do not find elements that allow sustaining an accusation for coercion or hate. "The opening of a criminal process to verify facts that, if proven, would not constitute a crime lacks any justification," the resolution states.
The decision closes the criminal path opened by Quiles, although it leaves open the possibility that he may resort to civil jurisdiction if he considers that the words affected his right to honor. The Supreme Court dismisses the proceedings without holding a trial, since the complaint itself allows ruling out the existence of a crime from the outset.
Quiles accumulates sanctions within Congress
The resolution comes two days after the Congress Bureau again sanctioned the ultra agitator. The Chamber has agreed to suspend his accreditation for another month for interrupting a press conference by the general secretary of Podemos, Ione Belarra, held on February 10.
Quiles had already received a previous three-month sanction for recording and publishing images taken in areas of Congress where he lacked authorization. He also remained preventively suspended since May and has several open files that could end with the definitive withdrawal of his accreditation.
The Parliamentary Communication Advisory Council has considered that these behaviors harm the work of accredited professionals and alter the normal functioning of press conferences. The new Chamber regulations allow sanctions to be increased when several serious infractions accumulate.
The PP has avoided backing some of the measures adopted by the Bureau against Quiles. This same Thursday, Borja Sémper has defined the ultra agitator as "a very nice guy", although he has also admitted that he would not place him within "reference journalism" either.
The sanction approved this week will prevent Quiles from accessing Congress during September. A third resolution for a serious offense could allow the Chamber to definitively withdraw his accreditation, while the still pending files continue to be processed.
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