October 2013

Hello again. In the fight for home owner rights it often feels like one step forward two steps back. It can be a demoralising process. However, once in a while something happens that puts a spring in your step and makes you feel that it is worth all the effort. This month I had that feeling again when an Almerian judge decided to suspend a demolition order hanging a house owned by a British couple who are waiting for a decision from the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR).

The judge remarked that the retired couple were blameless and had not received compensation and that until the ECHR had ruled it would be better to wait before knocking down a house. Very wise indeed.

The case brought before the ECHR argues that the demolition order is arbitrary and unjust and is being supported by our sister organisation AUAN in Almeria. The case, by the way, is very expensive and is being supported by SOHA.ES so if you feel that the cause is worthy please feel free to log on to SOHA.ES.es and leave a donation!

What is interesting about this ruling is that it sets a wonderful precedent at many levels; the case argues against its fundamental unfairness and not the process that took place, the judge recognises the importance of the ECHR which gives us a clear direction for the future and it finally recognises the distinct rights of the home owner.

However, to take a case to the ECHR costs a fortune for everybody and in the end the only real winners are the lawyers, so…… Note to the new President of the Junta de Andalucia, Susana Diaz, change the law and end this NOW and we can all work together to bring a new era of prosperity to Andalucia.