# Pardon requests for Santiago train derailment driver > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/pardon-requests-for-santiago-train-derailment-driver > Updated: 2026-09-08T11:05:18.000Z. Sources: 6. Developments: 2. Legal proceedings regarding a pardon for Francisco Javier Garzón, the driver involved in the 2013 Santiago de Compostela train derailment that caused 80 deaths, have progressed through the Spanish judicial system. Initially, Judge Elena Fernández Currás of the Santiago de Compostela Court recommended a total pardon for Garzón. The judge cited ‘reasons of justice and equity,’ noting his lack of a criminal record, his retirement, and the fact that civil liability had been largely settled. The judge argued the likelihood of recidivism was ‘practically null.’ Subsequently, the Chief Prosecutor of the Santiago area, Antonio Roma, expressed support for only a partial pardon rather than a full one. While the prosecution acknowledged humanitarian factors—including Garzón’s age, status as a retiree, health issues, and caregiving responsibilities—it argued a full pardon would be ‘inadmissible’ due to the ‘objective gravity of the facts’ and the ‘plurality of victims.’ The prosecution stated that granting a full pardon would constitute ‘a situation of impunity.’ ## Timeline ### 2026-09-08: Judge recommends pardon for 2013 Santiago train derailment driver A Spanish judge has recommended a pardon for the driver of the 2013 Santiago de Compostela Alvia train, citing reasons of justice and equity. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/judge-recommends-pardon-for-2013-santiago-train-derailment-driver ### 2026-09-03: Spanish prosecutors support partial pardon for Angrois train driver Spanish prosecutors support a partial pardon for Francisco Garzón Amo, the driver involved in the 2013 Angrois derailment, citing humanitarian reasons but rejecting a full pardon. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/spanish-prosecutors-support-partial-pardon-for-angrois-train-driver --- Cite as: Pardon requests for Santiago train derailment driver. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/pardon-requests-for-santiago-train-derailment-driver