Vitoria (EFE)
The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and the European Federation of Journalists (EFJ) have called on the Polish government to release him immediately. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has criticized the denial of provisional release and has called for an improvement in his detention conditions.
This Gernika-based journalist was arrested on the night of February 27-28, 2022 at the Polish-Ukrainian border. He was covering the Russian invasion of the Ukraine by the Polish secret services. He accuses him of doing espionage work for Russia, for which he could face up to 10 years in jail.
His three-month detention has been extended and on February 15 the Przemysl Court maintained his provisional detention until May 24.
Right to a fair trial
On the occasion of the anniversary of his arrest, the Basque Government spokesman, Bingen Zupiria, has demanded guarantees for all the rights of Pablo González as an EU citizen one year after his arrest.
He has requested that the presumption of innocence and treatment be respected in accordance with “the standards that Justice has established in the EU.”
He recalled that since the regional Executive learned of González’s arrest and sent to prison, he has maintained “permanent contact” with the Government of Spain and with the consulate.
For their part, all the groups in the Basque Parliament, except the PP and Vox, have asked the Spanish government to take the necessary steps so that González can have a legal proceeding with all the guarantees.
PNV, EH Bildu, PSE-EE and Elkarrekin Podemos have signed a statement in which they consider the latest extension of their provisional prison “unfair”, which was adopted “without giving explanations or justifications.”
“The Basque Parliament does not share the decision of the Polish court and urges Basque institutions and estates, as well as the State Government, to demand that the rights of Pablo González be respected before the Polish authorities.”
“Disproportionate” provisional prison
They also express their “concern” about the “prolongation and disproportionate use of provisional detention in breach of the provisions of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU.”
“The arrest and imprisonment of Pablo González is bad news for freedom of the press and information,” which is “one of the basic guarantees for a free and democratic society,” the document adds.
In the Congress of Deputies, Aitor Esteban (PNV), has considered it “unheard of” that a year later his case has not been resolved. Jon Iñarritu (EH Bildu) has denounced a “nonsense” that supposes that González has been in isolation all this time.
Support from journalist associations
In a joint statement, the International Federation of Journalists and the European Federation of Journalists consider it unacceptable for an EU state to detain a journalist in such an arbitrary manner. “It is an attack on press freedom and democracy.”
They have also criticized that the informer is in the prison system for dangerous prisoners, despite the fact that he is no longer considered as such. He remains isolated 23 hours a day and communication with the family is very limited.
Reporters Without Borders also denounces that he has to be handcuffed when he leaves his cell, is watched by cameras 24 hours a day, or has to undress several times a day for pat-downs.
His wife, Oihana Goiriena, was only able to visit him nine months after his arrest, and was also denied consultation for months with a dermatologist for a skin problem, this association has censured.
These pronouncements are added to those expressed yesterday by Amnesty International, which demanded the end of Pablo González’s solitary confinement and his release. EFE
