This Monday begins the trial of 21 people who protested in front of the Askabide clinic in Vitoria-Gasteiz

The trial of the21 people\u00A0  who protested against abortion in front of the Askabide clinic three years ago will begin this Mondaywith the statement of the witnesses .

Criminal Court No. 1 has scheduled three oral sessions for this week, which will take place on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, with the accused taking the floor on the second day.

The sentencing rallies took place in eight days, between28 September and 4 November 2022, in front of the Askabide clinic in Vitoria-Gasteiz.

The centre management reported these protests to the Ertzaintza and identified 21 people.

The Public Prosecutor's Office considers  to have committeda crime of coercion and therefore requeststhat the 21 accused be sentenced to five months' imprisonment for obstructing the right to voluntary termination of pregnancy and the activity of the clinic staff.

However, the Public Prosecutor's Office has proposed as an alternative punishment to work for the benefit of the community for 100 days and a ban on approaching the clinic for three years.

The defense, on the other hand, has asked foracquittal  because it believes that the rallies did not affect the users and staff of the clinic, even saying that they merely prayed and displayed banners in the exercise of freedom of expression.

According to the organization's website, they carry out "local campaigns to end abortion, praying, fasting, sensitizing the community, and stirring up daily and constantly peaceful awakening in the face of abortions." 

PNV, EH Bildu, PSE and Sumarr have condemned the persecution 

PNV, EH Bildu, PSE and Sintre have condemned "any manifestation or act of harassment by ultracatolic, anti-abortion or similar groups" and have expressed their support for the Askabide clinic for the trial starting on Monday.