The Provincial Court of Madrid dismisses in full the lawsuit filed by Jehovah's Witnesses and upholds the right to criticize matters of public interest.
The law firm Bardavío Abogados reports a significant legal victory obtained by the Spanish Association of Victims of Jehovah's Witnesses against the Jehovah's Witnesses of Spain, following the ruling issued by the Provincial Court of Madrid (Section 21), which fully confirms the dismissal of the lawsuit filed against the association.
The ruling, issued on appeal, establishes a legal precedent of particular importance by reinforcing the primacy of the fundamental rights to freedom of expression and information over the right to honor, in the context of a debate of clear public interest and with implications that extend beyond national borders. It is particularly noteworthy that victims and citizens may describe Jehovah's Witnesses as a "destructive cult".
The full resolution can be viewed via the link at the end of this press release.
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The court has ruled in favor of Bardavio Abogados, dismissing the lawsuit filed by the association of Gestalt therapists. The ruling certifies that so-called “Gestalt therapy” lacks scientific backing and official recognition in Spain, protecting freedom of expression to warn of its risks and differentiating it from the Gestalt school, which does have academic backing. To read the news, click here.
The Provincial Court of Madrid has ruled in favor of the former member of the Jehovah's Witnesses represented by Bardavío Abogados. The court considers that the defendant's statements—including the reference to a “dangerous sect”—fall within the scope of freedom of expression and have sufficient factual basis, prevailing over the organization's right to honor. The ruling sets an important precedent in the protection of criticism and public debate on religious denominations. To read the ruling, click here.
We are pleased to announce the addition of Alejandra Rodríguez Álvarez to our firm. Her arrival reinforces our commitment to offering comprehensive, high-quality legal services, bringing experience and a multidisciplinary vision to different areas of law. With this addition, we continue to consolidate a team prepared to tackle our clients' legal challenges with rigor, commitment, and a personal touch.
Carlos Bardavío presented El poder creador de los tribunales constitucionales (The Creative Power of Constitutional Courts) (Aranzadi, 2024) at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) and the Anáhuac University of Mexico.
At both institutions, Bardavío shared with academics and students his analysis of the role of constitutional courts in shaping and evolving the legal system, emphasising the importance of constitutional interpretation in consolidating the rule of law.
His participation helped to strengthen international academic exchange and enrich the debate on new perspectives in constitutional law.
