The court of first instance number 9 of Bilbao has dismissed the lawsuit filed by Iberdrola against ACS and its president, Florentino Pérez, for an alleged crime of interference in the honor of the electric company due to a press release from the construction company regarding the criminal proceedings of the Villarejo case.
According to Iberdrola's original lawsuit, it was a "manifestly insulting and defamatory" statement for accusing him of "criminal responsibilities within the framework" of the case for an "alleged conversation" between a former director of the electricity company and the retired commissioner. "In addition, in an absolutely malicious and offensive way, it is stated, without any proof or contrast, that Iberdrola would be supporting the actions of its former manager by paying generous compensation," denounced the electricity company.
The Bilbao court, in a ruling to which La Vanguardia has had access, dismissed the claim, considering that ACS's statements were not insulting because the company "did not transmit information, but assessments of undisputed facts" that affected Iberdrola. A company, adds the sentence, with an "unquestionable public projection" that justifies "the legitimate fundamental right to freedom of expression."
The judge recalls that it is the investigation of a "macrocausa" on the "alleged illegal work carried out in relation to Iberdrola by the retired commissioner Villarejo", and highlights that "it was known that a good part of these works referred to ACS and Florentino Perez”.
Iberdrola may appeal against the ruling before the Vizcaya provincial court within twenty business days.
