Spain's ex-PM Zapatero faces jewelry probe; prosecutor says no rights breach

Spain's prosecutor has rejected the claim that former Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero suffered a denial of defence (indefensión) after a judge refused to suspend his testimony on jewels discovered in his office safe. The jewellery, valued at €1.3 million, were found in May and a provisional auction valuation was commissioned.

Zapatero declined to answer questions about the jewels, and his defence appealed the judge’s decision. The prosecutor argues the facts were already known to Zapatero since 19 May and that the case remains a technical assessment of a possible tax or smuggling offence, not a finalized criminal qualification. The prosecutor also opposed the defence’s request for the judge to ask the United States for clarification on communications involving Plus Ultra shareholder Rodolfo Reyes, a matter that will be evaluated later.

The investigation continues under the existing judicial proceedings, with no indication that Zapatero’s rights have been violated.