Headmaster takes Benmocarra mayor to court

THE headmaster of La Maroma Secondary School in Benamocarra has taken the mayor, Abdeslam Lucena, to court.

The headmaster and former socialist councillor, Manuel Ruiz, has accused him of disobeying the authorities, slander, and embezzlement.

The case against him is due to being next month, although the events date back to July 2008 when Lucena ordered that two billboards be installed outside the school suggesting that the headmaster had only got the position thanks to his political contacts.

According to the public prosecutor, this was done with the knowledge that such statements were untrue, and with the intent of undermining the dignity of both the headmaster and the Education Delegate, Jose Nieto.

A court in Velez-Malaga ordered that the billboards be taken down within 15 days, and although they were not removed for several months, Lucena claims they were covered up.

The prosecutor will be asking for a fine of almost €2,200, nine month in prison and legal expenses, as well as €12,000 in compensation for Nieto and Ruiz.

Meanwhile, the private accusation is asking for three years in prison and a fine of almost €5,500.