Madrid Court Seizes Begoña Gómez's Passport and Bans Her from Leaving Spain in Corruption Case
The court imposes precautionary measures on the wife of the Spanish Government president following her indictment for abuse of influence, embezzlement and misappropriation of funds.
Madrid Court Seizes Begoña Gómez's Passport and Bans Her from Leaving Spain in Corruption Case
A Madrid court has decided to seize the passport of Begoña Gómez, wife of Spanish Government president Pedro Sánchez, and has banned her from leaving the country. The ruling comes after the prosecution formally indicted her for four offences: two counts of abuse of influence, embezzlement of public funds and misappropriation of funds.
The precautionary measure also includes the requirement to appear before the court twice monthly throughout the judicial proceedings. These restrictions are added to the procedural situation of the investigated party, whose professional activity and links with certain institutional circles are the focus of the investigation.
The Spanish Government responded with an official statement in which it characterises the proceedings as a "political process". However, the judicial decision remains firm as the case proceeds.
The investigation focuses on Gómez's professional trajectory and her alleged dealings with public bodies to benefit third parties. Prosecutors argue that she used her position to obtain improper advantages, although her defence denies the facts.
This case has generated significant media impact in Spain, as it is the first time that the partner of a serving government head has faced criminal charges of this severity. The political opposition has demanded explanations, whilst the Socialist Party defends judicial independence and denounces pressure.
Gómez's next appearance before the court is expected in the coming weeks, at which time more details of the prosecution's case and the defence's strategy could be revealed.
Source: Euronews România
Source: Google News RO — Crime (ro)