A judge in Catarroja has declined a request to investigate whether the central government convened the National Security Council in relation to the disaster that occurred in October last year. The judge stated there is no causal relationship between this inquiry and the deaths that resulted from the incident. This ruling means the focus will remain on the actions and decisions of the Generalitat, rather than on the central government.

The ruling stemmed from concerns raised by the association Liberum, which sought to determine the government’s actions in the wake of the disaster. The judge highlighted that the court has no jurisdiction to assess if the Prime Minister summoned the National Security Council, reinforcing that the essence of the proceedings is to analyse the responsibilities surrounding the fatalities that occurred.

Citing the Statute of Autonomy, the judge reminded that civil protection is an exclusive competence of the Generalitat. The Consell, as the superior coordinating body, holds responsibility for emergency management within the area. The ruling expressed that the probing must firmly establish a link between the inaction of those considered responsible and the tragic outcomes.

In a related note, the hearings for two technicians involved in the emergency alert system have been rescheduled for May, as the investigation continues to unfold, bringing attention to the accountability and decision-making processes that preceded the dire circumstances. The ruling suggests that the delays and the lack of an emergency declaration led to a significant loss of life and damages.