Madrid court upholds jury trial for wife of Pedro Sánchez
The Provincial Hearing backs Judge Peinado and confirms that Begoña Gómez will face trial by citizens for alleged improper bribery and misappropriation of public funds, though it rules out commercial bribery.
Madrid court upholds jury trial for wife of Pedro Sánchez
The criminal division of the capital has backed investigating magistrate Juan Carlos Peinado and determined that Begoña Gómez, spouse of the head of government, must be tried by her fellow citizens. The ruling, which spans 63 pages, confirms that she will face trial before a public panel on the alleged offences of improper bribery and misappropriation of public funds, though it rules out that she committed bribery in the commercial sphere.
Businessman Juan Carlos Barrabés is excluded from this proceeding. By contrast, Gómez's assistant at the official Moncloa residence, Cristina Álvarez, must face trial jointly with her.
The ruling also lifts the preventive restrictions that were imposed on both defendants: the ban on leaving the country, the confiscation of travel documents and regular appearance before the court. In return, they must remain at the disposal of the judicial authority, inform of any change of address or location and attend when required.
The legal representation of Gómez, led by former Justice Minister Antonio Camacho, had submitted multiple appeals requesting the invalidation of Peinado's actions. In their arguments, the law firm asserted that the magistrate was building the investigation on mere "conjectures and presumptions" and that such "weak assessment" sought only to force her appearance before a jury.
The defence submission stated: "It is not only the lack of any motivation, but also the arbitrary and unjustified choice of procedural route chosen that produces, in this case, a manifest violation of the fundamental right to a judge predetermined by law."
On this same Monday, the Hearing also examined appeals submitted by the organisations Hazte Oír and Manos Limpias concerning the dismissal of the unauthorized practice accusation.
Data from ABC
Source: ABC