Spanish legal proceedings: Aldama defamation trial and Lezo case testimony

A trial is scheduled for February 17 regarding a defamation lawsuit filed by Spanish Minister of Justice, Presidency, and Relations with the Courts, Félix Bolaños, against businessman Víctor de Aldama. Bolaños is seeking 70,000 euros in damages after Aldama allegedly claimed on television that the minister attempted to bribe him to remain silent about corruption matters involving the PSOE. During a preliminary hearing, legal sources noted that phone records provided by Aldama did not show incoming calls to the minister, but rather calls made by Aldama's representative to the Congress of Deputies and the PSOE.

In a separate legal matter, former President of the Community of Madrid, Ignacio González, testified during the Lezo case trial at the Audiencia Nacional. González denied any involvement in public contracts related to the Canal de Isabel II for the creation of a golf course. He stated he had no knowledge of the company TCT, which received the contested contracts, and denied knowing the company was linked to his brother and brother-in-law. Prosecutors are seeking six years of prison and a 550,000 euro fine for the accused individuals on charges of bribery and necessary cooperation.