Ombudsman meets with the AUAN over demolition orders
The AUAN has expressed their thanks to the Andalucian Defensor Del Pueblo for the warm welcome he gave them at a meeting in Seville last Friday. The Defensor (ombudsman) is the high commissioner of the Andalucían Parliament and is appointed to protect the fundamental rights and public freedoms enshrined in the Spanish Constitution. The meeting was facilitated by Izquierda Unida and, apart from those representing the AUAN, was attended by Rosalía Martín and Antonio Romero of the IU. Also present was Mrs Helen Prior, whose house was demolished two years ago.
The AUAN has reported that the Ombudsman was interested in hearing about this case and Mr and Mrs Prior are going to present a formal complaint to him.
The AUAN went on to explain to the Ombudsman that the Junta de Andalucía has now ordered a further 8 demolition orders for homes in the Albox area, all of which had building licenses which were subsequently revoked by the Junta de Andalucía.
The Ombudsman indicated that he was familiar with the problem and interested in the matter. He said that, among other actions, he would speak to Sr Juan Espadas, the Minister for Housing and Territorial Planning.
Meanwhile, Michael Cashman MEP, has written an open letter to Prime Minister Zapatero. Mr Cashman was one of the MEPs who asked for a European Parliamentary resolution to get Spain to put it's house in order given the enormous number of petitions and complaints about building, environmental and urban abuses it had received. According to Mr Cashman there have been over 15,000 petitions as well as a daily flood of letters on this matter.
He addressed his letter to Sr. Zapatero as co-President of the European Council. He speaks of urban abuses in general, of his daily delivery of letters of complaint, and says that the response of the government to European Parliament resolutions has been only inaction. He specifically mentioned the case of the eight properties under threat of demolition in Albox and he urges Mr Zapatero to intervene to avoid making victims out of those who have acquired their properties in good faith hoping to enjoy their retirement.
Article First Published: Monday, 18th January 2010, 19:17 CET
Author: News Rover
