Spanish Judiciary Launches Disciplinary Proceedings Against Gender Violence Judge

• The General Council of the Judiciary (CGPJ) in Spain has initiated disciplinary proceedings against David Maman Benchimol, a judge at the specialized Violence Against Women court in Madrid.
• The disciplinary action follows controversial remarks made by the judge during a training session at the Madrid Bar Association.

Controversial Statements

• During a February 18 event, Maman Benchimol claimed women receive too many advantages when filing gender violence reports, alleging they use such reports to evade shared custody.
• He described article 92.7 of the Civil Code—which prevents shared custody during criminal proceedings—as "deadly."
• The judge invoked concepts similar to the prohibited "Parental Alienation Syndrome," alleging that mothers "brainwash" children to distance them from their fathers.

Procedural Background

• The CGPJ Permanent Commission rejected a recommendation by the Disciplinary Action Promoter to archive the case, opting instead to proceed with the investigation.
• The decision was prompted by multiple complaints, including one from the Government Delegation against Gender Violence and individual citizens who felt denied protective measures by the judge.
• Maman Benchimol has previously drawn criticism for controversial rulings, including the acquittal of a journalist in a stalking case involving political figures and the denial of a protection order for a pregnant woman who had been threatened with a knife.