The case against Spain's highest profile judge had highlighted divisions in the country over examination of its darkest era and saw thousands of people take to the streets in support of the magistrate.
The important ruling cleared Mr Garzon of abusing his judicial powers by launching the investigation into the disappearance of 114,000 by Gen Francisco Franco's forces.
Mr Garzon had argued that such atrocities – crimes against humanity – could not be subject to a 1977 Amnesty covering the Franco era and that the relatives of victims deserved justice.
But the verdict of not guilty, passed by 6-1 on the seven judge panel, appeared to be based on a technicality of the law – that the judge had committed an error when he opened the investigation but that it did not constitute a crime.
"He misinterpreted Spanish law but did not knowingly and arbitrarily violate the limits of his jurisdiction ... as would be required for a conviction" the Supreme Court justices said in a 63-page ruling. » | Fiona Govan, Madrid | Monday, February 27, 2012
THE GUARDIAN: Baltasar Garzón cleared over investigation into Franco-era crimes: Former Spanish judge declared not guilty by supreme court after facing charges described as 'ill-advised' by Human Rights Watch » | Giles Tremlett in Madrid | Monday, February 27, 2012
Verwandt »
