Pro-government journalism targets judges (Santiago González's Blog)

Pro-government journalism in Spain is facing accusations of bias, sparking debates about judicial independence and media influence on politics.

The Spanish media landscape is experiencing tension, blurring the lines between information and opinion, particularly concerning the relationship between journalism, politics, and the judiciary. Criticism is directed at media outlets that, according to some observers, clearly favor certain political factions, raising questions about the impartiality of their reporting and their influence on public perception of judicial and political matters.

## Influence on the Justice System

Judicial independence is a cornerstone of any democracy, and any sign of interference, real or perceived, causes concern. In this context, a type of journalism has been identified that, rather than simply reporting, appears to exert pressure or influence on judges' work. The hypothesis is that certain media outlets might be orchestrating campaigns to discredit magistrates or influence the course of judicial investigations, using narratives that favor specific political interests. An example of this dynamic is the concern expressed about the safety of those chosen for jury duty in high-profile cases, given the possibility of unorthodox methods being used to influence the proceedings.

## Criticism of the Political Class

The relationship between the media and politics is inherently close. However, when that relationship is perceived as subservient or involves coordinated attacks, criticism arises. It has been observed that some media outlets aligned with a particular political spectrum seem to amplify or downplay certain events based on their convenience, often at the expense of objectivity. A case exemplifying this dynamic is the controversy surrounding the eviction of an 87-year-old woman, **Maricarmen**, in Madrid. The situation escalated to the point where the Prime Minister himself, **Pedro Sánchez**, commented on it from New York, holding the Mayor of Madrid and the President of the Community of Madrid, **Isabel Díaz Ayuso**, responsible. However, it is noted that the regulations allowing the eviction stem from laws passed by socialist governments in **1985** and **1994**, and that housing alternatives were offered to the elderly woman, which she rejected.

## The Debate on Freedom of Expression and the Weapon

Freedom of expression is an essential right, but its exercise can spark debate when it crosses certain boundaries. An incident in the Congress of Deputies, where deputy **Ana Vázquez** was expelled for displaying a pepper spray canister, has reignited discussions about proportionality and the use of certain items as protest tools. This is compared to an incident in **July 1934**, when **Indalecio Prieto** drew his pistol in the Cortes, without a similar expulsion. The controversy lies in whether pepper spray, used for self-protection, should be equated to a firearm in the context of a parliamentary protest. The situation became more complicated when, after the deputy's expulsion, the spray was handled carelessly by another party member, causing the evacuation of several areas of Congress and requiring medical attention for a dozen people.