The transfer of criminal trials from Vic to Manresa in October 2019 caused severe logistical problems, especially for low-income individuals. Montoliu, President of the Catalan Bar Council (Cicac), criticized that lawyers often had to act as taxi drivers to ensure their clients, who lacked public transport access from towns like Rupit or Tavertet, could attend the hearings.
“"It is as if a doctor living in Vic who has to operate at the Hospital Clínic took the patient in their car because they are also from Vic and have no way to get there."
The new provisional courtroom has been set up in the basement of Ronda Camprodon, a space ceded by the Vic City Council, with an investment of 426,000 euros from the Department of Justice. This solution allows judges from Manresa, who still handle Osona cases, to travel to Vic once a week to hold the trials.
Despite the improvement, stakeholders agree this is only a temporary measure. Albert Sentias, a solicitor from Vic, regrets that the region, given its size, should have its own criminal court and states that the previous situation was not correct. The Department of Justice and the council have agreed to build a future 10,000 square meter Palace of Justice in Era d'en Sellés, estimated to cost 25 million euros, although no timeline is currently set.
“"We can be closer to the courts, the lawyers, and the users of justice."
