High-Profile Legal Battle: Lawyer Benet Salellas Takes on Defense of Former PSOE Leader Santos Cerdán in Bribery Case
Lawyer Benet Salellas, a former deputy of the CUP and known for defending individuals charged in cases related to Catalan independence, will now represent former socialist leader Santos Cerdán. Although not yet considered a suspect, Cerdán has been identified by a report from the Central Operational Unit (UCO) as a key figure in the alleged bribery scheme linked to public works in the Koldo case. Legal sources have confirmed to Europa Press that Cerdán has entrusted Salellas with his defense following his official involvement in the case and his decision to renounce his deputy status, which would have provided him with immunity against the ongoing investigation.
Salellas, born in Girona in 1977, has been practicing law since 2003 and has gained notoriety for his involvement in significant cases, particularly those associated with Catalan independence. Notably, he represented former Òmnium Cultural president Jordi Cuixart during the Supreme Court trials concerning the independence process, where he notably clashed with the court.
His expertise extends beyond independence-related cases to matters of national security, having represented several individuals accused in jihadism-related investigations at the National Court. Salellas was notably involved in the defense of individuals in the case surrounding the Tsunami Democràtic movement, which was accused of instigating violence during protests in Catalonia.
In addition to his courtroom experience, Salellas has a record of advocating for fundamental rights and fighting against administrative injustices, reflecting his commitment to public service and legal advocacy as a CUP deputy in the Parliament from 2015 to 2017.
Cerdán's first appearance under Salellas's defense will be on June 25, when he voluntarily testifies before the Supreme Court concerning allegations of receiving commissions tied to public works. Investigators from the Civil Guard suggest that Cerdán is pivotal to the alleged bribery scheme, having reportedly overseen payments to former advisor Koldo García and former minister José Luis Ábalos. Initially, lawyer Gonzalo Martínez-Fresneda, who is affiliated with the PSOE, managed Cerdán's defense but announced that he would step back once a new lawyer was secured, leading to Salellas taking up the case.
As this legal saga unfolds, it highlights not only the complexities of political influence and legal accountability but also the pivotal role lawyers like Salellas play in navigating the intertwining realms of law and politics in Spain.
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