Zaragoza become the 2nd city to vote for a judicial probe into alleged Franco-era crimes

MADRID – Zaragoza has become the second city in Spain to call for an investigation into crimes allegedly committed within its boundaries by the dictatorship of the late Gen. Francisco Franco.

In a statement sent Saturday to The Associated Press, the northern city's council says it has approved a resolution asking a local magistrates court to investigate "crimes against humanity" by Franco's regime.

A month ago, Pamplona became the first city to push for a probe. Spain never officially investigated crimes under the rule of Franco, who led an army uprising that crushed the republican Spanish government in 1939.

While republican atrocities were "processed" by Franco's regime — with many summary executions taking place — those within his government who allegedly committed crimes were covered by an amnesty granted in 1975.