Court rejects move to indict Valencia leader over flood response

Carlos Mazon, president of the Valencia regional government, is facing scrutiny over his handling of floods in late October 2024 that killed more than 200 people.

Valencia's High Court has rejected a bid to indict former regional president Carlos Mazon for allegedly mismanaging the 2024 floods that killed hundreds of people.

The court ruled Monday that there was no evidence Mazon violated emergency management laws.

Mazon resigned on November 3 last year under pressure from across the political spectrum but remains under scrutiny.

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Option for future prosecution still open
Investigating judge Nuria Ruiz Tobarra had argued that Mazon should be charged with negligence, saying his decision to withdraw to a private dining room during the crisis was "a decisive factor in the deadly human toll."
The High Court, however, said there was no "solid, objective basis" to accuse him of any criminal wrongdoing and found the conduct outlined in Tobarra's report did not "constitute a crime."
Tobarra may continue her inquiry and submit future prosecution requests.

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