The start of the trial
The trial against the activists accused of disorder due to the cutting of the railway tracks at the Sant Cugat del Vallès station during March 8, 2018 began this Monday. The protest was part of the feminist strike that mobilized tens of thousands of women throughout the country.
The statements of the accused
During the first session of the trial, the defendants testified and only responded to their lawyers’ questions to explain how they experienced that day of protests. In statements to the media, they denounce that their case responds to political persecution of the feminist movement.
Through social networks, the collective 8 Mil Motivos, which was created to defend and make this case visible, has stated: ‘For feminists, repression does not stop us, we are going to win.’
The right to protest
One of the defense lawyers, Laia Serra, has pointed out that cases of conviction for public disorder related to the cutting of communication routes are usually for ‘serious sabotage’ that endangers the service and users. However, she highlights that in this case it is about the exercise of the right to protest.
During the interrogation of the defendants, an attempt was made to make it clear that the authorities were informed of the action and that there was coordination and good understanding with the station staff, the security guards and the Mossos d’Esquadra.
Furthermore, it has been pointed out that similar roadblocks have been carried out on other occasions by different groups and that in no other case have there been criminal consequences.
Support for the accused
The 8 Mil Motivos collective has gathered at the doors of the court to show its support for the defendants. The spokesperson for the group, Maria Garcia, stated: ‘They judge us for being feminists.’ Furthermore, she has described the trial as ‘a trial of shame’ and has highlighted the strength of the feminist movement to influence the political agenda and question power structures.
Family and friends of the activists have also gathered at the doors of the court. The parents of the accused have read a statement in which they regret that the judicial system accuses those who fight for their ideals.