Madrid in chaos: Court overturns the 14 - day sentence of isolation

Spain's efforts to prevent the spread of corruption in Madrid have turned into chaos, as a court has overturned the 14-day partial isolation verdict Thursday.

The move has started applying over the weekend to the Spanish capital and surrounding areas.

This decision by the highest regional court in Madrid implies that restrictions imposed on some 4.5 million people cannot be legally implemented by police.

Spanish Health Minister Salvador Ila has called for emergency discussions with regional health chiefs, with the aim of mobilizing.

The right-wing regional administration in Madrid has strongly opposed the central government's order, citing economic reasons and has said it is backed by the court's ruling.

However, it has urged residents to stay within city restrictions, especially during the weekend, when the National Day of Spain will be celebrated on October 12th.

The court has said in its reasoning that it has rejected the verdict, taking into account the “affecting human rights and fundamental freedoms”, and that on health issues regional governments are responsible.

When the pandemic broke out in this state in March, the Spanish government had declared a state of emergency, gaining power to implement isolation measures across the country.

But since this situation ended on June 21st, regions have been responsible for pandemic management.

The infection rate in Madrid has increased to nearly 600 cases per 100,000 people, compared to 257 in the rest of Spain, already the highest figure in the entire European Union.