Por Redaccion 
Barbón and Moriyón lead the silent gathering for the death of the woman from Gijón
The Government Delegate in Asturias, Adriana Lastra, stated on Thursday that the violent death of Susana González Sierra, whose body was found in a trash can in an apartment in Gijón, should be judged as a case of gender-based violence.
She made these remarks to the media at the end of the silent gathering held in Plaza Mayor of Gijón, attended by authorities such as the President of the Principality’s Government, Adrián Barbón, the Mayor of Gijón, Carmen Moriyón, and the Vice President of the regional Executive, Gimena Llamedo.
Lastra also recalled that Susana disappeared on May 7, leading to a police investigation that resulted in «the worst-case scenario,» according to her, with the discovery of the body and the arrest of her «current partner.»
She also mentioned that it appears she was killed on the same day she went missing. Lastra clarified that it has been proven, not only through witnesses, family, and friends of the deceased, but also through the police investigation, that Susana had an emotional relationship with her killer.
«It is a case of gender-based violence and, therefore, I hope it is judged in a gender-based violence court,» stated the Government Delegate in Asturias.
She also requested respect for both the victim and her family, especially for her son, who was visibly affected at the gathering.
Lastra mentioned that as soon as they received news that the police had entered the residence where the body was found, and pending confirmation that it was indeed Susana, they contacted and coordinated with both the Government of Asturias and the Gijón City Council to provide all necessary support to Susana’s family.
«Gender-based violence kills, gender-based violence is a reality,» emphasized Lastra, who lamented that in the past two days, there have been five fatal victims of gender-based violence.
She urged to fight against it and condemn it. «Gender-based violence cannot be minimized, it cannot be denied because it exists, and it kills, it kills women and children,» she emphasized.
She also made a call not only to condemn all cases of violence but also to the entire society to report to the authorities if they are aware of any cases or suspect a woman is a victim of violence.
She added that anyone can report it. Additionally, she mentioned that the Government Delegation has received anonymous reports that have «fortunately removed a woman from a violent situation.»
She expressed her hope that this will be the last case of gender-based violence in Asturias, and in Spain. Lastra urged the Asturian society, which she described as «supportive and committed against violence,» to report any suspected cases of violence.
Asked about the statement from the Superior Court of Justice of Asturias indicating that there was no evidence of a relationship between the perpetrator and the victim, and that police investigations did not point in that direction, Lastra emphasized that, based on several witnesses, it can be confirmed that there was a sentimental relationship.
She also explained that from the first day of the investigation, it was known that the victim was married but also had a romantic relationship with this person.
«I understand that the perpetrator in this case has denied having an emotional relationship with Susana because as everyone knows, when there is an emotional relationship and therefore it is a case of gender-based violence, the penalty is aggravated,» she supposed.
She further stated that with legal assistance, he may have claimed at some point that they did not have a relationship, despite the evidence from the police investigation, which will also be demonstrated «in court,» she presumed.
She emphasized that the detainee also denied killing her and claimed it was not a violent death. «I can assure you it was a very violent death,» she affirmed, adding that she could not provide more details due to the confidentiality of the investigation.
«WAY OUT OF VIOLENCE»
On behalf of the Principality, Llamedo conveyed «the strongest condemnation» from the Government of Asturias regarding a macho murder, as in the case of Susana.
Like Lastra, she urged the Asturian citizens to report any cases of gender-based violence they may know of.
«Public administrations have resources, we have means to help all these women victims to get out of this hell that is gender-based violence,» she emphasized, before mentioning the data from Casa Malva and the network of shelters in Asturias, which show that over 70 percent of women victims manage to rebuild their lives.
«That is the message we have to convey to the victims,» she highlighted. She assured them that the institutions are «there to support them, accompany them, advise them, and help them throughout this process.» She also conveyed to them that «there is a way out of gender-based violence.»
«Each victim of gender-based violence is a failure as a society,» acknowledged Llamedo, who emphasized that the Regional Government is increasing support and resources in the shelter network, as well as women’s counseling centers.
«We are working continuously, but it is true that we are still far from being a violence-free society,» noted the regional Vice President.
She also mentioned that they are working from early ages on prevention, which she considers «the vaccine against this violence.» She referred to the co-education program from early ages promoted by the regional government.
«I believe that the government of Asturias is doing everything possible,» stated Llamedo. «We have a strong commitment, but any victim of gender-based violence is a sign that we must continue working, we must continue to get involved, not only the governments but, of course, the whole society,» she pointed out.
Additionally, councilors from all political groups and some parliamentarians like Pilar Fernández Pardo and Álvaro Queipo from the PP, a leader of the Asturian ‘popular’ party, also participated in the gathering.
Several dozen people also joined the gathering, including former Mayor Paz Fernández Felgueroso and her sister, the former Attorney General of the Principality.