The image of the perverse red. About the most concise process against Miguel Villalta Gisbert

Abstract

In this study we intend to provide a framework for the analysis and interpretation of the indictments prepared by Franco’s authorities against Republicans, mainly politicians and soldiers. These republicans were considered the enemy and for that reason it was deemed necessary to punish or annihilate them. I deal with the paradigmatic case against Miguel Villalta Gisbert due to the characteristics of the records in this case. In particular, the case was prepared in a very systematic and complete way, largely due to the demands of the accused himself as Villalta had practiced as an examining magistrate before the war. In constructing the framework I use the concept «perverse red», understood as those who had the most characteristic features of the «enemies of the Motherland» and who should be consequently annihilated. All kinds of evildoings had been attributed to the reds: assassinations, robberies, persecutions and arbitrary denunciations, public and private immorality, attacks on religion and sacred places, tendencies towards revenge, etc. In the presence of these accusations, the accused, Miguel Villalta denied them and explained or qualified the nature his behaviour. These declarations and evidence are of particular value because Villalta tried to clean a reputation which had been sullied by previous accusations.