Spain’s top court rules pandemic lockdown ‘unconstitutional’
The ruling said that the limitations on movement violated citizens’ basic rights
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Last year’s stay-at-home lockdown order by the government under a state of emergency was unconstitutional, Spain’s constitutional court has ruled on Wednesday.
The court ruling was in response to a suit filed by the far-right Vox party.
It was a split decision according to a brief statement issued by the court. State broadcaster TVE said six magistrates voted in favour and five against.
According to the Spanish broadcaster, the ruling said that the limitations on movement violated citizens’ basic rights and therefore the state of emergency was insufficient to give them constitutional backing.
Spain’s government declared a state of emergency on March 14, 2020, ordering people to stay indoors and leave their homes only for basic shopping for several weeks.
An estimated 81,033 people have died from coronavirus in Spain.
As part of its vaccine roll-out, Spain ranks as the sixth-fastest in Europe in terms of doses administered. The country has given more than 25 million jabs and fully vaccinated just under 18 per cent of its population.
Spanish prime minister Pedro Sánchez said that the aim is to reaach 25 million by mid-July.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments