La Guardia Civil se refirió a Koldo García para retirar la medalla de mérito
The General Directorate of the Civil Guard opened a file on Koldo García, the former aide to former Minister José Luis Ábalos, to prohibit the use of the Civil Guard Order with a white badge that was awarded to Interior Minister Juan Ignacio Zoido in 2018.
This information is detailed in a file, accessed by Europa Press, led by the head of personnel, Colonel Aniceto Martín, emphasizing that the final resolution will be decided by Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska.
The file was opened in accordance with the provisions of January 24 by the Minister himself. In a statement, Marlaska acknowledged that Koldo García is under investigation in an open case at Central Instruction Court number 2, showcasing a cautious behavior towards the prestige of the institution.
«This situation requires the adoption of legal measures related to the use of decorations, especially given the significant media coverage and social alarm,» explained the Minister.
The document included in the file explains that in April 2018, Koldo García was admitted to the Civil Guard Order, in the category with the White Badge, a decoration granted under law 19/1976 to reward exceptional actions or behaviors that enhance the prestige of the institution and serve the interest of the nation.
The file also includes news reports stating that the badge was awarded during Zoido’s tenure for his efforts towards peace in the Basque Country. Koldo García has ten days to submit charges and documentation regarding this matter.
Legal sources consulted by Europa Press indicate that García’s legal representation will reject the file promptly, arguing that being under investigation is not sufficient reason to revoke the award.
They emphasize that just as specific behavior is required to receive the badge, there must be another specific behavior to revoke it. The mere existence of a judicial investigation is not a behavior in itself.
It should be noted that Koldo García is being investigated by both the National Court and the Supreme Court for alleged irregularities in the awarding of contracts for mask purchases during the pandemic.
In January, Grande-Marlaska confirmed in an interview with RNE that he had initiated proceedings to revoke the White Badge awarded to Víctor de Aldama.
FUENTE
