The sexual assault case against Íñigo Errejón, the former politician of the party Sumar, has been reopened, inciting outrage from the complainant, actress Elisa Mouliaá. The case had been temporarily suspended on November 11, 2023, due to the maternity leave of Mouliaá's lawyer, Carla Vall, but has now been reactivated by Judge Adolfo Carretero. The upcoming court date is set for January 16, 2024, where Mouliaá will testify as the witness and Errejón will be present as the accused.
Mouliaá, 35, who initially lodged her complaint on October 24, 2023, accused Errejón of actions she alleges occurred during a private party at the end of September 2021. Following the suspension, Judge Carretero explained his initial decision stemmed from Mouliaá's insistence on keeping Vall as her sole representative, even though Vall was unable to fulfill her duties due to her pregnancy. The judge noted, "the complainant had refused to appoint another lawyer whom she trusts, and as a consequence, it was impossible to continue the procedure."
Despite the suspension, Errejón's defense argued for the case to proceed without unnecessary delays. The reopening of the case came after thorough evaluation, with the judge deciding there were no valid reasons to postpone the process any longer. This led to the reappearance of Mouliaá's frustration over her legal situation. She voiced her feelings clearly, stating, "Me parece una falta de respeto a las mujeres y una clara desigualdad de género" (It seems to me to be a lack of respect for women and clear gender inequality), as reported by Europa Press.
The actress has not shied away from the media, expressing her disappointment. Mouliaá has been vocal about her views on how maternity leave affects legal representation, mentioning how the judicial system appears to be more accommodating toward male attorneys dealing with other personal issues. "Cuando un abogado se hace un esguince, se le respeta. Cuando una abogada acaba de parir y está sangrando, no" (When a lawyer sprains themselves, they are respected. When a female lawyer has just delivered and is bleeding, they are not), she argued, emphasizing the perceived double standards women face within the legal framework.
Mouliaá remains adamant about keeping Vall as her attorney, citing her expertise and the importance of continuity. The actress expressed her struggle to find another lawyer who could be as qualified and knowledgeable about the particulars of her case, stating, "No cambiaré de abogada, pero aún así me estoy reuniendo con abogados" (I will not change lawyers, but I am still meeting with attorneys). This indicates her struggle with the emotional and logistical challenges posed by the current legal circumstances.
The reopening of the case sets the stage for what promises to be a highly publicized hearing next month. Both Mouliaá and Errejón, whom many observers view through diverse political lenses, will take the stand before the judge to present their respective sides of this sensitive allegation. Errejón has maintained his innocence, and his representation insists the accusation is unfounded, describing it as potentially fabricated.
With the clock ticking toward January, Mouliaá's emotional state is clearly impacted by the court's decision. She remains focused on seeking justice, underscoring her commitment to the principle of accountability, particularly when it concerns allegations of sexual misconduct. The next court session promises to be pivotal for both sides, shedding light on not only Mouliaá's allegations against Errejón but also the broader issues of gender equality and representation within the legal process.
Watching how this case evolves, many are left wondering about the long-term repercussions it may have, both for those personally involved and for the political discourse surrounding such serious accusations. Regardless, Mouliaá's determination to stand her ground amid all these challenges shines through, marking her as not just a victim seeking justice but as one advocating for women's rights within the judicial system.
