Thread by @DavidBegnaud

Statement from the Puerto Rico Supreme Court Chief Justice Maite Oronoz Rodríguez

“I am devastated. I am absolutely devastated by the latest case of feminicide reported in Puerto Rico. But I know that this crushing feeling will not bring back Andrea to her family...”

“..,This murder highlights once again that gender violence is everyone’s problem. It needs to be corrected from its root origin. It needs to be stopped now. They kill us for being women. The very scene of Andrea’s crime sends the message that the lifeless bodies of girls &...”

“... and women are inferior. These femicides are not isolated cases. They are the result of a society that normalizes violence against women through sexist attitudes and learned behaviors, fomented at home, at work and in the community...”

“... This is a society that freely consumes social media and general media jokes and their misogynistic comments without seeking consequence. This is a society that grows up in an...”

“... education system that institutionally decided to ignore the basic principles of equality and gender perspective.
Even if the justice system, (that is, the Department of Justice...”

“... through its prosecutors, the Puerto Rico Police, and the Judiciary), always acted correctly - which is not always possible - the problem of gender violence would still exist.
Therefore, we must focus on understanding the problem systemically...”

“... and culturally, and we must strive to correct it from its inception on, from its root causes.
Violence against women and discrimination do not end overnight. It requires concerted actions from all sectors and from different spheres...”

“... This is a national problem, and until we understand it and address it in all its complexity, we will not be able to stop these deaths.
At Puerto Rico Judiciary...”

“... we have done unprecedented work to address the issue of gender violence, with the urgency and sensitivity that it deserves. We have created specialized courtrooms and trained more people than ever...”

“... We have partnered with victims’ advocates, services, and educational organizations. We know that we have an essential and non-delegable role to stop violence, provide safety to its victims, and punish the aggressors...”

“... For this reason, whether through specialized courts, training for judges, community education and collaborative agreements, this issue has been a priority. However, we still have a long way to go. That is our commitment and today we reiterate it...”

“... Given the grave magnitude of this matter, I have called an emergency meeting with the Administrative Director and Administrative Judges of the thirteen Judicial Regions, to evaluate and discuss the handling of cases of gender violence filed in our courts...”

“... Regarding the case of Andrea Ruiz Costas, I have also appointed a committee to urgently evaluate all the information, documents and recordings of the various hearings that were held...”

“... Whatever the findings, we will accept our responsibility without excuses. We will be accountable to Puerto Rico. We will do whatever is necessary. That is my promise, and you have my word.”