Court Expels Manos Limpias from Case Against Prime Minister's Wife Amid Political Controversy

Judge Peinado has expelled the Manos Limpias organization from its role as a private prosecution in the case concerning Begoña Gómez, the wife of the Prime Minister, as reported by El País. This decision was announced on Wednesday, with the lawyer representing the organization confirming their withdrawal from the case, resulting in the pseudounion lacking any representation at trial. The instructor's ruling stemmed from Manos Limpias failing to present the necessary documentation required to deposit the sum needed for their participation in the proceedings. Consequently, they have been excluded from the case. Throughout the unfolding events, it has become evident that strategic decisions related to the litigation are less driven by procedural logic or the strength of legal arguments. Instead, they appear to be largely influenced by political considerations, public opinion, and ideological positioning. Carlos Perales Rey, who resigned from his representation in the lawsuit, highlighted this concerning trend. The complaint initiated by Manos Limpias prompted Judge Peinado to open an investigation into Gómez back in April 2024. The case currently involves five alleged offenses: influence peddling, corruption in business within the private sector, misappropriation, intrusion, and embezzlement of public funds. Manos Limpias accused Gómez of allegedly using her status as the Prime Minister's wife to benefit entrepreneurs, including Juan Carlos Barrabés, who is currently under investigation. As this case continues to evolve, the intersection of law, politics, and media remains a focal point, raising questions about the motivations and implications of such high-profile legal battles. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2