Spanish court orders trial for corruption of Begoña Gómez and bans her from leaving the country
Judge Juan Carlos Peinado has ordered that the wife of President Pedro Sánchez stand trial before a jury court for corruption, and has confiscated her passport.
Spanish court orders trial for corruption of Begoña Gómez and bans her from leaving the country
Investigating judge Juan Carlos Peinado has issued a ruling requiring Begoña Gómez, spouse of Government President Pedro Sánchez, to stand trial before a jury court for alleged corruption offences. Additionally, the precautionary measure prevents her from leaving the national territory, according to Swiss media outlet Le Temps.
The judicial order, issued by the Court of Instruction Number 41 in Madrid, establishes that the accused must surrender her passport and appear before the authorities twice a month until the trial takes place. In the 84 pages of reasoning, the judge indicates that instructions will be issued to all border posts, both at civilian and military airports, to ensure compliance with the exit ban. No date has yet been set for the oral hearing.
Last April, Peinado had already filed charges against Gómez for embezzlement, influence peddling, corruption in commercial operations, and abuse of authority. The investigation was opened in April 2024 to determine whether the accused had exploited her status as the head of government's wife for personal benefit, something that both she and her husband categorically deny.
The case focuses on the creation and management of a chair at the Complutense University of Madrid, which Gómez co-directed, as well as the alleged use of public resources and personal contacts to favour private interests. According to the judge, that chair functioned as a "pathway for private professional development" for the accused. The case originated in a complaint filed by an anti-corruption organisation linked to the far right.
Justice Minister Félix Bolaños called the decision "a terrible day for those of us who believe in justice", whilst expressing confidence that "the truth will prevail". Socialist Party leaders considered the measure of confiscating the passport disproportionate.
In his arguments, Peinado rejected the thesis that the security agents who normally protect Gómez would prevent a possible flight. According to the judge, those officers "could, on their own initiative or by order of their superiors, contribute to facilitating an escape that would make it impossible for the accused to be made available to justice".
When the investigation became public in April 2024, Pedro Sánchez temporarily suspended his duties for several days to reflect on whether to continue leading the Government. His wife has always maintained her innocence, whilst Sánchez himself has characterised the accusations as an attempt by the right to destabilise his administration.
The conservative and far-right opposition has demanded his resignation and the calling of early elections, although the Socialist president has reiterated his intention to complete the parliamentary term until 2027.
Source: Google News MA — Crime (fr)