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[POLITICS] · Spain · 86 sources

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Begoña Gómez ordered to face jury trial for influence peddling and embezzlement

Judge Juan Carlos Peinado has ordered the opening of an oral trial with a jury for Begoña Gómez, the wife of Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez. Gómez faces charges of influence peddling and embezzlement of public funds. The investigation centers on her role in managing a university chair at the Complutense University of Madrid and the alleged misuse of software developed for that project.

Cristina Álvarez, an advisor at Moncloa, will also face trial as a necessary collaborator in the embezzlement charge, specifically regarding the diversion of university software. While the judge declined to impose precautionary measures or bail, he ordered an investigation into Gómez's economic capacity, requesting her last five tax returns.

The decision comes in the final week of Judge Peinado's career before his scheduled retirement on September 27. The case, which began following a complaint by the group Manos Limpias, has sparked significant political tension. The Spanish government has condemned the ruling as an arbitrary and unjust political persecution.

Popular accusations, including those coordinated by Hazte Oír, are seeking a 13-year prison sentence for Gómez. Conversely, both the prosecution and the defense have called for her acquittal, with the prosecution stating that the evidence does not prove a crime.

Entities

Audiencia Provincial de Madrid · Begoña Gómez · Clean Hands Association · Complutense University of Madrid · Cristina Álvarez · Juan Carlos Peinado · Pedro Sánchez · Provincial Court of Madrid · Universidad Complutense de Madrid

Claims

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Sources

El Mercurio de Antofagasta [www.mercurioantofagasta.cl]
Tres eran tres [www.laregion.es]