Getafe Court Adds Prevarication Charge to Psychiatrist Carlos Mur over Madrid's Covid Protocols

A Getafe court has broadened its investigation into Carlos Mur de Viu, the psychiatrist currently working at Andorra's Hospital Meritxell, by adding a prevarication charge related to Madrid's pandemic management protocols. Judge Luis Carlos de Isidro approved the expansion following a request from the PSOE as a popular accusation, but restricted it to specific orders signed by Mur for Getafe Hospital and the Los Angeles Geriatric Residence, rejecting the party's call for a wider regional probe.

Mur, once a top health official in Isabel Díaz Ayuso's Madrid regional government and former head of mental health at Hospital Meritxell, already faces accusations of discrimination in access to public services. The ruling also draws in Francisco Javier Martínez Peromingo, another former health executive, for his potential role.

The probe centres on the so-called "protocols of shame" issued in March 2020. These directed hospitals to rule out transfers for Covid patients from socio-health centres with physical or mental dependencies, aiming to ease pressure on facilities. They promised enhanced on-site medical support in residences, which Mur has acknowledged never arrived.

Mur maintains he did not author the instructions, even though he signed them. The case advanced this year after families of affected residents lodged a collective complaint in 2024 against these officials. Possible consequences include bans from public office and prison terms for the discrimination allegation.

The court deemed itself competent for the limited scope, while the Provincial Court is due to decide on April 16 whether to merge various related proceedings. Spanish media, including El País, covered the ruling on Tuesday.