Spanish Torture Survivor Takes Landmark Case Against Alleged Franco-Era Abusers
A 67-year-old Spanish man, Julio Pacheco Yepes, who survived torture during the Franco era, has filed a lawsuit against his alleged torturers. Pacheco Yepes was just 19 years old when he was arrested in Madrid in August 1975 for his involvement with a left-wing underground movement opposing the Franco regime. He claimed to have been tortured for several days at a police headquarters in the city before being imprisoned under charges of terrorism. Now, almost five decades later, he seeks justice for the abuse he suffered.
Among the accused is former police commissioner Jose Manuel Villarejo, who recently gained notoriety for spying on influential figures in Spain’s political and business circles. The case was filed in February, and in May, Judge Ana Maria Iguacel admitted it, citing possible evidence of crimes against humanity and torture. The hearing is scheduled to take place at a Madrid court, where Pacheco Yepes will be questioned about his experience.
Judge Iguacel intends to summon the alleged torturers for questioning and has requested documents from the police and National Archives for further investigation. Once the investigation is concluded, she will decide whether to dismiss the case or proceed to trial. This hearing marks a significant milestone for victims’ associations fighting for justice, as previous attempts to file lawsuits had been dismissed. Pacheco Yepes hopes that his testimony will help chip away at the wall of impunity that has hindered the pursuit of justice for victims, ultimately leading to a more open judicial system for future cases.
The Spanish courts have consistently rejected lawsuits filed by Franco-era victims, citing an amnesty law passed in 1977 during Spain’s transition to democracy or exceeding the time limit for filing criminal charges. The United Nations has called on Spain to revoke the amnesty law, which not only shields political opponents of the regime but also protects civil servants and public order agents like the police from prosecution. Many torturers from the Franco era have passed away without facing trial, perpetuating the victims’ despair.
One infamous torturer, Juan Antonio Gonzalez Pacheco, known as Billy el Nino or Billy the Kid, died in 2020 without ever being held accountable. Rosa Maria Garcia Alcon, Pacheco Yepes’ wife, also filed a lawsuit against him, but it was rejected. Garcia Alcon, who was arrested alongside Pacheco Yepes, will testify as a witness during the hearing. She alleges that Pacheco Yepes was forced to watch as the police tortured her.
Due to legal obstacles within the Spanish system, victims’ groups sought justice in Argentina. In 2010, magistrate Maria Servini invoked the principle of universal justice to investigate genocide and crimes against humanity during the Spanish civil war and dictatorship. Servini issued 20 international arrest warrants in 2014 for former Franco regime officials, including ministers, judges, and police officers, but Madrid refused to cooperate.
This landmark case represents a glimmer of hope for victims seeking justice, as Spain confronts its dark past and takes steps to address the crimes committed during the Franco era. The outcome of this hearing and the subsequent trial, if granted, will be closely watched to determine the impact it may have on future efforts to hold perpetrators accountable and provide closure for the victims and their families.
