I have just started to consider writing another post about Human Rights and impartial Justice and I come across some articles published about the Trial and Sentence in the case of the attack suffered in Madrid on March 11, 2004.
Jamal Zougam was arrested on March 13, 2004. Two days after the attacks. He has therefore been in prison for almost thirteen years at the time of writing.
There are many doubts about the evidence that framed him. A lot. And it seems more than reasonable. Below I make a small list of some of the articles that have been published recently, as a consequence of the Documentary produced in France about the case, which is even receiving some awards.
The "prefabricated guilt" of Jamal Zougamin El Español. Written by former Judge Javier Gómez de Liaño.
Jamal Zougam is the scapegoat for the 11-M Madrid bombingsin La Crónica. Written by Gonzalo Gómez Montoro.
The 11 M crime novelin Libertad Digital. Written by Federico Jiménez Losantos.
The reappearance of 11 M and the disappearance of the PPin Libertad Digital. Written by Federico Jiménez Losantos.
There are many more articles like these.
One thing is striking: not a single major Spanish media outlet has followed up on this story. Around Jamal's case there has been a complete media silence except for some of the exceptions described here and probably some more that are escaping me. I would not mind at all if I get a lot of comments asking for the inclusion of all those articles on the subject that I have not been able to find in the search engines.
We are witnessing constant debates in the media about human rights and even animal rights. What is happening in this case?
The documentary made in France shows with images what is described in the articles.
A new Dreyfus, Jamal Zougam, scapegoat of 11-M? made by Cyrille Martin and shared through Vimeo.
You can also turn to the web which contains the studio work and images in case Vimeo is not available for viewing.
In order to understand the treatment this man is receiving it is enough to read this article published in El Norte de Castilla: "Interior isolated for a year and a half in Topas the most bloodthirsty criminal of the 11M massacre". Written by Ricardo Rábade.
In this article entitled Freedom for JamalWe ask for his freedom and we also ask that anyone who considers it appropriate, to write a postcard to Jamal to the prison where he is currently imprisoned, in order to give him support. This is the address:
Jamal Zougam
C.P. Alicante II
National Highway 330 Km. 66
03400 - Villena
(Alicante)
I can in no way be sure that Jamal is innocent or guilty. What does seem evident is that Justice has not acted as rigorously as it should.
There is a man who has been in prison for thirteen years. With a sentence of more than 42,000 years ahead of him, although in Spain we already know that prison sentences are capped.
Will it have the courage to review and analyze whether the actions have been correct, even if only by virtue of the treaties signed in defense of human rights?
How many cases like this or similar are there in Spain?
In the next few days I will write about some of the known cases in the United States of America.