Appearance of Goiriena and Boye in the Basque Parliament. June 27, 2022

Euskaraz irakurri: Goiriena: “Ezin dut ulertu nola babes daitekeen nik nire senarrarekin ezin hitz egitea”

The wife of journalist Pablo González, Oihana Goiriena, and lawyer Gonzalo Boyé appeared today in the Basque Parliament before the Committee on European Affairs and Foreign Action to report on the situation of the reporter, who has been stationed in Poland since 28 February. detained on charges of spying for Russia.

After thanking the Basque Parliament for the invitation and the statement adopted on May 26 by PNV, EH Bildu, PSE-EE and Elkarrekin Podemos to denounce the disproportionate use of pre-trial detention against the journalist, Oihana Goiriena has reported that, four months after her husband’s arrest, the situation for the family remains the same “we still can’t communicate with him directly, my children still can’t talk to their father”.

As Goiriena explained, the apologies or reasons for refusing such communication have changed in these months. If the Spanish consul in Poland first told her that the bureaucracy in Poland was very slow, and González’s Polish lawyer suggested that it might be because she herself might be involved, Goiriena says the problem now comes because the Polish-Spanish simultaneous translation is not available. “It is stupid Yes outrageous, because there are technological resources, what is missing is political will, and that is exposable”has insured Goiriena.

has emphasized the work and attention of the consul during these months, which, although “it was initially limited to fulfilling its functions of managing requests or appointments”, over time and in view of the blockage in the case, “it as a case staff has taken” and mediates between the journalist and the family. “He keeps me informed about everything and communicates directly and directly how Pablo is doing, as soon as he leaves him he shares it with me and that is appreciated, it is a big help. It is the only direct and reliable means of communication I have.The consul has had three meetings with González so far, the last on May 17, so Goiriena hopes there will be another meeting soon.

The journalist’s wife has pointed out that the only bright spot are the two letters she received from her husband, although the communication is two months late; as the letters are dated April but arrived early June.

As for the Polish lawyer of Pablo González, Bartosz Rogala, Goriena explained that they communicate weekly, but that the communication is “not very fluent” and he also cannot give details about the case, “because he is forbidden to talk about it.” “.

Goireena has criticized the Spanish government for not providing an explanation “I understand they are doing a discreet diplomatic job, but the only report we have received from the media is that Spain supports the Polish decision. And I don’t understand how they can support me because I can’t talk to my husband.” Goiriena believes that the situation deserves an explanation: “Even if it is private, secret and with all the discretion in the world, I deserve an explanation of what the state has done, what to expect or the reaction they have from Poland received,” he said.

He has assured that, according to the information given to him by the consul, Pablo González is in good health despite having lost 20 kilos, sports, writes and is “optimistic” and although he is aware that he has two years ordeal, he takes it “with energy”.

Lawyer Gonzalo Boyec He stressed in his short speech that Pablo González’s situation “does not meet the requirements set by the European Union to be considered a process with the necessary guarantees”. He has stressed that “the situation is totally abnormal” and I have criticized the Spanish government for its “lack of interest, concern and activity” in guaranteeing González’s rights.