Zapatero's request to annul Plus Ultra case rejected by Spanish judge

Plus Ultra case José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero Audiencia Nacional influence peddling investigation Spanish judiciary

A judge from the Spanish Audiencia Nacional, José Luis Calama, has rejected a motion filed by former Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero to annul the proceedings in the ‘Plus Ultra case’. The defense had argued that the investigation violated fundamental rights, including the right to a fair process and the presumption of innocence, claiming that evidence was obtained through unauthorized analysis of private communications.

Judge Calama ruled that the investigation adheres to legal standards, noting that the case was bolstered by information obtained through international judicial cooperation with France and Switzerland regarding an international money laundering organization. The investigation focuses on Zapatero's alleged irregular involvement in a 53 million euro government bailout for the airline Plus Ultra during the pandemic, as well as the discovery of jewelry valued at 1.3 million euros in his office.

The judicial process remains active. Upcoming proceedings include the testimony of Plus Ultra president Julio Martínez Sola and CEO Roberto Roselli on September 7 and 8. Zapatero maintains his status as an investigated party.

Entities

Audiencia Nacional · Diputación de Valladolid · Jesús Julio Carnero · José Luis Calama · José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero · Julio Martínez Sola · PSOE · Plus Ultra · Spain · Valladolid · Íñigo Varona

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 2 SOURCES] The investigation examines Zapatero's potential irregular involvement in a 53 million euro government bailout for Plus Ultra airline. www.moncloa.com · www.diariodeleon.es
[○ 1 SOURCE] The judge refused to unblock the bank account of Agropecuaria Lucena, a company linked to a partner of Zapatero. www.moncloa.com
[DISPUTED] The defense claimed the investigation was based on unauthorized analysis of private communications. labandera.es · www.moncloa.com · www.diariodeleon.es
[● 2 SOURCES] Authorities are investigating jewelry valued at 1.3 million euros found in Zapatero's office. www.moncloa.com · www.deia.eus
[● 5 SOURCES] Judge José Luis Calama rejected the motion to annul the Plus Ultra case proceedings. labandera.es · lamanyana.cat · www.moncloa.com · www.diariodeleon.es · lapatilla.com
[● 2 SOURCES] Plus Ultra president Julio Martínez Sola and CEO Roberto Roselli are scheduled to testify on September 7 and 8. www.deia.eus · www.elplural.com
[● 3 SOURCES] Zapatero's defense argued that fundamental rights, including the presumption of innocence and the right to a fair process, were violated. labandera.es · www.moncloa.com · www.diariodeleon.es
[DISPUTED] The judge ruled that the investigation was based on information obtained through international judicial cooperation from France and Switzerland. lapatilla.com