Judge Rejects Written Testimony from Spanish Minister in High-Profile Case
In a significant ruling, Judge Juan Carlos Peinado has denied a request from Félix Bolaños, the Minister of the Presidency, Justice, and Relations with the Cortes, to provide written testimony in the ongoing investigation involving Begoña Gómez, the spouse of the Spanish Prime Minister. The request was made for testimony to be submitted on April 16 as part of the inquiry into the employment of Cristina Álvarez, a Moncloa advisor who assists Gómez.
Judge Peinado, presiding over Investigating Court 41 in Madrid, ruled against the request, citing provisions within the Criminal Procedure Law that generally allow certain officials to offer written testimonies regarding facts known to them in their official capacities. However, the judge clarified that the relevant facts for Bolaños’s testimony were known to him when he held a different position as the Secretary General of the Presidency, thus excluding him from providing written testimony in his current role.
Despite rejecting the written submission, the judge has allowed for Bolaños to conduct his testimony at the Moncloa Complex, where he works, rather than having to travel to the Ministry of Justice on San Bernardo Street. This ruling indicates a careful balance between enabling the minister’s participation in the investigation while adhering to legal frameworks guiding testimonies from high-ranking officials.
The case itself revolves around potentially contentious hiring practices within the government, particularly as they relate to personal connections at the highest levels of power. As the investigation unfolds, it is drawing significant attention and raises questions regarding transparency and ethics within the Spanish government. The outcomes of these legal proceedings will likely have broader implications for political accountability in Spain.
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