The Prosecutor's Office Supports the Indictment of Pradas for Failing to Protect the Population During the Storm

The Valencia Prosecutor's Office has requested the confirmation of the indictment of former Justice and Interior Councillor Salomé Pradas in the case concerning the management of the storm, as it was her responsibility to "determine the protective measures for the population that should have been adopted," according to the Civil Protection law.

The prosecutor's brief, revealed after Pradas testified as a suspect this Friday, highlights that "the direction of the special plan for flood risk in the Valencian Community" was the responsibility of the then councillor "once the state of emergency two was declared, and, therefore, the function of determining the protective measures for the population."

Therefore, the Prosecutor's Office suggests dismissing Pradas' appeal against her indictment, which sought to dismiss the proceedings because "it is not possible to attribute criminal responsibility for the victims' deaths" to "specific technical or political personnel related to the events of their competencies, but rather to the functioning of the three administrations involved."

In a second brief, the Prosecutor's Office supported revoking the status of suspect for the former regional secretary of Emergencies, Emilio Argüeso, at this time until the investigation reveals that he had any role related to the adoption of measures that could have prevented the deaths or injuries of the victims.

The Public Ministry presents this position "without prejudice to a subsequent indictment of the aforementioned regional official if, based on the outcome of the requested investigative proceedings (...) the instruction of the present procedure reveals that he had any role related to the adoption of measures and/or decisions that could have prevented or reduced the deaths or injuries of individuals."