El País Madrid INTERVIEW: Baltasar Garzón Special Adviser of the prosecution in the International Criminal Court
R. Yes I had contact with victims in the High Court, but not as brutal as the crimes that occurred during the dictatorship in Argentina. The effort and courage of the mothers and grandmothers of Plaza de May started at the same time in 1976 and after the first disappearance. When I saw them with white handkerchiefs, and all I asked was to be overheard, so I went to a terrible reality that often it is irrelevant how they are crimes against humanity.
R. is difficult and, moreover, is a mistake. Forgetting, like forgiveness, or memory, corresponds to the heritage of each. But the officers are bad advisers forgetfulness and throughout history has proven. The wounds to heal, and before being stitched, have to be cleaned. And do not tell you now in relation to events that may be happening in my life.
P.You have been processed to investigate the crimes of the Franco . Do you regret anything?
R. In life there is always something to regret, but we must take positive lessons and move on. But if the question relates to my research on the crimes of the Franco regime, in general I can not say that I regret because the decisions are made consciously and thoughtfully. It is the interpretation of national and international legal standards that lead you to make that decision, may have different opinions, but there is no question of repentance, but of applying the rules that apply.
P. He has complained of the restrictions placed on Spain to universal criminal jurisdiction.
R. Yes, indeed. Is a reflection of the decline is occurring in many countries, including Spain, about the universal criminal justice cases. We have no magic wand how to improve or advance the channels of universal justice. We analyze what we have done, for example in Chile and Argentina, and now Guatemala, Rwanda, Sahara, Tibet. I think it is necessary to continue this research because there is no response from these countries to crimes against humanity, and we have no right to do so because it is an obligation and, of course, cases already started can not turn back. If that means, I will respect, but that does not mean that the law has come new in Spain on universal justice pleases me. We have to do as did the Ombudsman, to interpret a proactive action in cases of universal jurisdiction and, therefore, interpret this rule as beneficial as possible for victims.
P. What did for universal justice detention of Pinochet in 1998?
R. was a major boost for universal justice cases and, above all, was a strong message against impunity, which is a negative heritage of society goes hand in hand always corruption.
P. You now working as special adviser to the prosecution in the International Criminal Court in The Hague. Someone has compared these courses as a forced exile. How do you feel there?
R.I've learned in my life to doing what corresponds to the position they occupy, and do as if the only thing left to do in life. I always had a very clear work profession, taught from childhood by my parents, and that's what I'm doing in The Hague. It's something different, not the day to day Research of the National Court, but rather to unite several different criteria analysts, researchers in remote and difficult places on earth where the rule of law is virtually nonexistent, and building cases for that after the International Criminal Court accept requests that the prosecution does.
P.You think back to the High Court?
R.I am suspended from duties and occurs once the process is finished we can talk. Obviously, my intention, if the case concludes favorable to me, is to recover the position of the Audiencia Nacional without prejudice to the decision you make in your life later. But I am calm and confident that the final will be imposed as appropriate in righteousness.
P.you been a victim of media harassment campaign?
R.That has been a specific media campaign directed against me is clear. Even in my village, which itself was at the height of the collective ethic regardless of ideology, has harassed people trying to get where there was and invent stories.
P.And politicians?
R.There have been some who have not lived up to, not in my case but generally. It is true that once a politician says a lot on the fight against terrorism of ETA, which ascribe more to ignorance (which is serious) than malice.
P.Do you feel more optimistic today about the end of ETA? Do you think they are taking steps in the right direction?
R.Yes, certainly. I think politics is being done is correct, there is a consistency in political action against terrorism of all democratic forces and so should be in other policy areas. The police and judiciary have been doing what was owed, the activities of judges and prosecutors is still strong and I think we are on the right track. But you can never say 'we're done' or 'with this we are winning the game' because there is simply an attempt to address all that comes down.
P.One of the last backup has been the Foundation Saramago, who has asked for you the Nobel Peace Prize.
R.Well, to me what I regret is the loss of Saramago as a friend and as a writer. In his last days and writings had a strong focus for me and my situation and I came very close to him and thanked him.
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