Spanish government pardons the 'Six of La Suiza'
Spain's government has pardoned six women jailed for kidnapping the owner of the La Suiza bakery in Madrid. Labour dispute background, a €150,000 compensation payout and political controversy.
English · Original discussion in Spanish · Published
The pardon of the 'Six of La Suiza': union justice or political favour?
The Spanish government has granted a pardon to six women convicted of unlawful detention and coercion against the owner of the Madrid bakery La Suiza, nine months after they entered prison. The pardon is justified on grounds of their labour context and exercise of union freedom, but the case carries a murky backstory that goes beyond the verdict.
The businessman and his record
The La Suiza bakery belongs to the family of Pablo Álvarez Meana, a figure known online for his threats of lawsuits and his alleged advisory role to Donald Trump. The court did not convict the company for harassment, but the union account points to a hostile work environment. The pardon comes amid a polarised climate: for some, it redresses an injustice; for others, it rewards violent direct action.
The numbers of the case
The convicted women were sentenced to prison terms and ordered to pay €150,000 in compensation to the businessman. The pardon does not annul the civil liability, so the amount remains outstanding. In addition, they were moved to open prison conditions immediately upon entering custody, which has drawn criticism of the leniency of the prison system.
The clashing arguments
On one side, it is argued that the conduct took place in the context of a labour dispute, without profit motive, and that the businessman had been reported for harassment. On the other, it is stressed that the action consisted of holding a person against their will, which is a serious crime regardless of context. The government's decision to pardon reinforces the thesis that incivil justice is being used as a political weapon.
The debate leaves an open question: where is the line between union protest and ordinary crime? Meanwhile, the baker receives compensation the convicted women will probably never pay.
Related discussions in the forum
The Spanish government has granted a pardon to six women convicted of unlawful detention and coercion against the owner of the Madrid bakery La Suiza, nine months after they entered prison. The pardon is justified on grounds of their labour context and exercise of union freedom, but the case carries a murky backstory that goes beyond the verdict.
The businessman and his record
The La Suiza bakery belongs to the family of Pablo Álvarez Meana, a figure known online for his threats of lawsuits and his alleged advisory role to Donald Trump. The court did not convict the company for harassment, but the union account points to a hostile work environment. The pardon comes amid a polarised climate: for some, it redresses an injustice; for others, it rewards violent direct action.
The numbers of the case
The convicted women were sentenced to prison terms and ordered to pay €150,000 in compensation to the businessman. The pardon does not annul the civil liability, so the amount remains outstanding. In addition, they were moved to open prison conditions immediately upon entering custody, which has drawn criticism of the leniency of the prison system.
The clashing arguments
On one side, it is argued that the conduct took place in the context of a labour dispute, without profit motive, and that the businessman had been reported for harassment. On the other, it is stressed that the action consisted of holding a person against their will, which is a serious crime regardless of context. The government's decision to pardon reinforces the thesis that incivil justice is being used as a political weapon.
The debate leaves an open question: where is the line between union protest and ordinary crime? Meanwhile, the baker receives compensation the convicted women will probably never pay.
Related discussions in the forum
- Brutal U-turn by La Sens, they go all out against the PSOE, feels like I'm watching Intereconomia jojojo · 15 replies
- Latin discovers, horrified, another repulsive Spanish scourge: LITTLE SPANIARDS EAT WAY TOO MUCH BREAD AND VERY LITTLE RICE, LIFE ONLY TASTES GOOD WITH THE ARABS · 52 replies
- Here it comes: "14% of homes for sale cut their price in the first quarter, according to Idealista" · 45 replies
- Game Over PSOE · 53 replies
Summary of a discussion on Burbuja.info - Foro de economía, actualidad y política., translated from Spanish and reviewed before publication. Read the full discussion (27 replies).
More summaries
-
AfD and BSW Negotiate Europe's First Anti-Establishment Government
AfD and BSW are negotiating in Saxony-Anhalt for Europe's first anti-mainstream government: nuclear energy, Russian gas, and immigration curbs.
-
Government to Cap Rents and Launch Plan Against 'Vulture Funds'
Spain's Housing Minister announces intervention in the housing market and rent caps. In high-demand areas, a two-bedroom apartment costs around €1,300/month.
-
Ceuta: the transfer of 500 girls that will cost €5,000 a month
The transfer of 500 minors from Ceuta raises doubts: a cost of €5,000 per month per place and a figure nobody has seen. The keys to the muddle.
-
Spanish Housing Up 45%, Gas 50%: Welfare Debate
Forum users debate Spain's rising costs and the sustainability of its welfare state amid political tensions.
-
Ceuta and Melilla: the alleged handover plan and the VPN scandal
An alleged plan to hand Ceuta and Melilla over to Morocco has turned into a controversy over CyberGhost VPN and the past of Kape Technologies.
-
TVE and the "guests" in Ceuta: the row over wording
Calling migrants in Ceuta "guests" sparks criticism. El Confidencial reports an 800% rise in assaults. The economic cost is the key issue.