Spain's human rights judge goes on trial

Baltasar Garzon, famed for inquiries into abuses in Spain and Latin America, faces charges of abusing judicial powers.

Garzon has dismissed the accusations and Spain's public prosecutor has recommended the judge's acquittal on all the charges 

Human rights groups and many Spanish supporters of Garzon view the accusations as attacks on Garzon for his investigation, launched in 2008, into alleged crimes against humanity committed by Spain's nationalist government during the 1936-39 civil war.

The inquiry made him many enemies from Spain's political elite.***Al Jazeera's Jonah Hull, reporting from outside Madrid's supreme court, said a demonstration in support of Garzon was taking place outside the court.

"He is a massive figure in Spain. He has been described as the most polarising figure in the country. He has a lot of public support and is the darling of human rights groups."