Train bomb judge ‘must face disciplinary charges’

23 May 2006

MADRID — The judge leading the inquiry into the Madrid train bombings should face disciplinary charges over the release of one of the suspects, an important judicial advisory body has recommended.

The General Judicial Council (CGPJ), which advises the government, said Judge Juan del Olmo should be disciplined for failing to renew a detention order against Said el Harrak.

Harrak had to be granted provisional bail after his two-year detention time-limit expired and a new detention order was not signed by the judge.

Judge del Olmo admitted he had forgotten to renew the order but claimed the pressure of work had been the cause.

The CGPJ said del Olmo should be charged with “inattention” to his duties.
 
The CGPJ’s disciplinary body is due to rule on 7 June.

If they decide to rule against the judge, he could be suspended for up to three years or even dismissed.

Harrak, one of 29 accused of carrying out Spain’s worst terrorist atrocity, is closely supervised on bail and must report to police twice a day.

The Madrid bombings in March 2004 claimed the lives of 191 people and left another 1,700 injured.

[Copyright EFE with Expatica]

Subject: Spanish news