Spanish court bans Prime Minister's wife from leaving country over corruption charges
A Spanish court has ordered that Begoña Gómez, wife of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, stand trial for corruption and has banned her from leaving Spain. She must hand over her passport and report to authorities fortnightly.
Spanish court bans Prime Minister's wife from leaving country over corruption charges
A Spanish court has issued a judicial order preventing Begoña Gómez, spouse of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, from leaving the national territory. The measure is part of a proceeding in which the socialist leader's wife will stand trial for alleged corruption offences, according to DH Les Sports+.
Judge Juan Carlos Peinado has ordered the woman to hand over her international identity document and to make herself available to law enforcement twice a month. This obligation to appear periodically will remain in effect until a final sentence is handed down in the case.
The investigation affecting Gómez centres on alleged irregularities related to the management of public funds and possible business favours. The investigating judge has determined that there are sufficient grounds to take the matter to trial proceedings, which means the accused will have to stand in the dock.
The judicial decision has generated a strong political impact in Spain, as it involves the partner of the country's top government official. Sánchez's party has defended the presumption of innocence of Gómez, whilst the opposition has seized on the case to criticise the Government's management and question the ethics of those in public office or linked to it.
The ban on leaving the country and surrender of the passport are standard precautionary measures in corruption proceedings when the court considers there is a risk of flight or obstruction of the investigation. The frequency of appearances before police or the court allows the authorities to monitor the residence of the accused throughout the criminal proceedings.
Source: DHnet