Trial Ordered for Former Valencian Vice President
The Provincial Court of Valencia has formally ordered the opening of an oral trial against Mónica Oltra, the former Vice President and Minister of Equality and Inclusive Policies of the Valencian government, and nine other individuals. The charges stem from an alleged cover-up of sexual abuse committed against a minor by Oltra's ex-husband, Luis Eduardo Ramírez Icardi. This decision comes after the court overruled previous dismissals of the case by an investigating judge.
The judicial body stated that it 'cannot deny the prosecution' the right to trial 'if there is a probability that the facts can be considered as falling under conduct' reasonably assessed as criminal.
Background of the Case
The alleged sexual abuse occurred between 2016 and 2017, involving a minor under the guardianship of the Valencian government who resided in a children's center where Ramírez Icardi worked.
- Luis Eduardo Ramírez Icardi was initially convicted in 2019.
- After an annulment, he was re-sentenced to five years in prison in March 2021.
- This sentence was subsequently upheld by the High Court of Justice of Valencia and later ratified by the Supreme Court. Ramírez Icardi is currently serving his sentence.
The investigation into Oltra and her team focused on whether they allegedly maneuvered to conceal or minimize the abuse case and if an administrative report was used to discredit the victim's version of events.
Judicial Proceedings and Accusations
The path to trial has been marked by several judicial turns. Investigating judge Vicente Ríos had previously dismissed the case against Oltra and others multiple times, citing insufficient evidence of criminal conduct.
However, the Fourth Section of the Valencia Provincial Court consistently overturned these dismissals, emphasizing the right of the plaintiffs to a trial. The chamber, presided over by Judge Pedro Castellanos, unanimously decided that plaintiffs cannot be denied the right to trial if there is a possibility the accused's actions could be deemed criminal.
The 'nine others' implicated in the trial are described as former senior officials within the Ministry of Equality and Inclusive Policies and other members of Oltra's department or cabinet.
Oltra resigned from all her political positions on June 21, 2022, following her formal investigation by the Superior Court of Justice of the Valencian Community (TSJCV).
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