Judge Peinado speeds up and gives five days to present the writ of accusation against Begoña Gómez before the decision of the Provincial Court

The Audiencia Provincial de Madrid has confirmed that nine citizens and two alternates will be selected to judge Begoña Gómez, wife of Spain’s prime minister. This decision follows months of legal maneuvering in the case opened by Judge Juan Carlos Peinado, who initially sought to charge Gómez with four offenses, malversation and influence trafficking among others, but the court has narrowed this to two charges: influence trafficking and malversation. The ruling marks the latest step in a long-standing legal battle over whether Gómez should face a trial before a jury of her peers. Judge Peinado had previously ordered the prosecution to revise its accusations within five days, taking into account the Audiencia Provincial’s decision to partially annul his earlier ruling. In that ruling, the court rejected the inclusion of charges related to improper appropriation and business corruption, which had been part of the initial indictment. However, the court upheld the need for a public jury trial, determining that the remaining two charges, corruption through influence and financial misconduct, are sufficient grounds for such a proceeding. The judge expressed regret that he learned of the court’s decision through the media rather than directly, emphasizing that the process must follow the agreed-upon procedures. The Audiencia Provincial’s decision was reached after a July 16 ruling in which the Section 23 judges endorsed the judge’s request for a jury trial. This means that Gómez will stand trial before a panel of nine residents of the Community of Madrid, who will determine her guilt or innocence based on evidence presented during the proceedings. According to judicial records, more than 90% of cases tried before a citizen jury result in conviction, highlighting the gravity of the situation for Gómez. Meanwhile, the court has also directed that testimony from previous investigations must be included in the case against Juan Carlos Barrabés, an entrepreneur linked to the case. All documents will be forwarded to the General Common Service of Registration and Distribution so they can be returned to Barrabés’ court for further processing. This ensures that the procedural path continues according to the mandates set by the Audiencia Provincial. The case has sparked extensive debate over the role of citizen juries in criminal trials, particularly in high-profile political cases. Legal experts have pointed to the potential implications of a public jury trial in shaping public perception of both the accused and the justice system itself. The selection of jurors will involve a rigorous process to ensure impartiality, though concerns remain about the influence of public opinion on the outcome. The legal proceedings have also raised questions about the broader implications for accountability in politics. While the charges against Gómez are limited to two specific crimes, the case reflects ongoing scrutiny of the intersection between private conduct and public office. The involvement of the University Complutense de Madrid in the proceedings underscores the complexity of the case, as academic institutions often play a role in legal matters involving public figures. As the trial approaches, all parties involved, including the prosecution, defense, and the court, will prepare for the upcoming stages of the proceedings. The selection of jurors will take place shortly, following the required legal protocols. The outcome of the trial could have lasting consequences for both Gómez and the broader political landscape in Spain. The case remains under active review, with the next steps dependent on the formal announcement of the jury selection and the commencement of the trial.