The Partido Popular (PP) has formally requested that Judge Santiago Pedraz, who is handling the “Leire Díez” case, prohibit the leadership of the National Police Corps (Guardia Civil) from directing the Central Operations Unit (UCO) while the investigation continues. The request was made through a legal filing obtained by Europa Press, which outlines specific measures aimed at protecting the integrity of the ongoing probe. The PP argues that both the head of the Guardia Civil, Mercedes González, and her deputy operational director, Manuel Llamas, who are both under investigation, currently hold full authority over the UCO, including its administrative and disciplinary functions, despite being implicated in the case. This, according to the PP, poses a risk to the impartiality of the investigation. The filing emphasizes that González and Llamas have continued to exercise their official duties and maintain hierarchical control over the UCO, even though they are accused of obstructing justice. The PP seeks to restrict their ability to issue orders, supervise operations, or make decisions affecting the UCO’s work, particularly within the Economic Crime and Anti-Corruption Department (DIECAN). It also calls for a ban on them initiating or processing confidential reports, disciplinary actions, or other procedures that could impact agents working on the case. Additionally, the PP wants to prevent access to documents related to the investigation and limit communication with witnesses or investigators involved. The PP further requests that the judge ensure the protection of the UCO’s investigative activities, safeguard the integrity of evidence, and shield the agents involved from potential interference. They highlight that the judicial authorities have already acknowledged the need to protect the UCO, especially after ordering it to take precautions during the investigation to avoid leaking information to the top ranks of the Guardia Civil. However, the PP contends that these measures remain insufficient because the investigated officials still retain broad powers over the unit. According to the PP, the legal action against González and Llamas includes charges of abuse of power and obstruction of justice. These allegations stem from accusations that they used internal disciplinary mechanisms to pressure and intimidate members of the UCO, particularly in cases involving government and Socialist Party (PSOE) figures. The party stresses that the public interest lies not just in ensuring proper administration but in preserving the effectiveness of the UCO’s role in supporting judicial proceedings, especially in high-sensitivity cases. The PP points out that neither González nor Llamas has been removed from office or resigned, despite their involvement in the case. They argue that this situation is objectively incompatible with the nature of the alleged misconduct, as the two senior leaders continue to wield direct command over the UCO’s personnel and resources. The filing underscores that the current structure allows them to influence the work of investigators and potentially compromise the outcome of the case. In a separate development, the PP’s vice-secretary of Education and Equality, Jaime de los Santos, has called for the resignation of González following an exclusive report by ABC detailing her alleged attempt to disrupt institutional events commemorating the Dos de Mayo in the Community of Madrid. De los Santos described her actions as “imperdonable” and “repugnant,” demanding she publicly apologize. This criticism adds another layer to the political pressure on González, who faces scrutiny from multiple fronts.
4 reports
El MundoIndependent🔒ConservativeFactual 85Objective 788 days agoThe Spanish Popular Party (PP) has requested that the judge handling the 'Leire Díez case' prohibit the head of the Guardia Civil, Mercedes González, and her deputy operational director, Manuel Llamas, from exercising any authority over the National Anti-Corruption Unit (UCO) during the ongoing investigation. The PP argues that both officials, who are implicated in the case, continue to hold their positions and exert hierarchical control over the UCO, which is under scrutiny for allegedly obstructing justice. They seek measures such as preventing these officials from initiating or managing confidential investigations, accessing related documentation, or communicating directly with involved agents and witnesses. The PP emphasizes that this situation undermines the integrity of judicial proceedings and the proper functioning of the UCO, which supports the judiciary in high-sensitivity cases. They highlight that neither González nor Llamas has been removed from office despite being investigated.
Bias read (Conservative): The article frames the PP's request as a legitimate legal action to protect the integrity of the judicial process and the UCO's role in supporting the judiciary. While the issue involves allegations against senior Guardia Civil officials, the PP's stance is presented as a proactive effort to ensure
Why factuality (85): The article accurately reports the PP's request to the judge in the 'Leire case' regarding restrictions on the Guardia Civil leadership's authority over the UCO. It provides specific details from an official statement and aligns with the cross-source consensus among the other articles. The informati
Why objectivity (78): The tone remains neutral, focusing on reporting the PP's demands without overtly taking sides. However, there is subtle political framing by mentioning the PP's role in leading the unified prosecution and their concerns about potential retaliation, which slightly skews the narrative toward their per
20minutosIndependentCenterFactual 75Objective 8015 days agoMercedes González, director of the Spanish National Police (Guardia Civil), has distanced herself from the 'Leire' investigation and described herself as a victim of former Interior Minister Juan José Cerdán. The 'Leire' case involves allegations of corruption and abuse of power within Spain’s security forces. González's comments suggest she believes she was unfairly targeted by Cerdán during her tenure. This development comes amid ongoing scrutiny of high-ranking officials in Spain's law enforcement and justice sectors.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a factual statement regarding González's position without overtly favoring any side. It does not include loaded language or one-sided sourcing, maintaining neutrality in its presentation of the claim.
Why factuality (75): The article discusses the historical background of the UCO's funding issues under Sánchez and links it to the broader case involving Cerdán and Leire Díez. It references past events and political figures, consistent with other reports.
Why objectivity (80): The tone is informative rather than biased, providing context without taking a clear editorial stance. It avoids emotional language and sticks to factual reporting.
ABC (España)IndependentConservativeFactual 70Objective 8513 days agoOn July 19, 2026, the Spanish Partido Popular (PP), led by Alberto Núñez Feijóo, launched a parliamentary offensive in the Congress of Deputies. The PP alleges that the Guardia Civil, under pressure from Teniente General Luis del Castillo, attempted to boycott an event organized by Madrid’s regional president, Isabel Díaz Ayuso, at the request of Mercedes González, director of the Guardia Civil. The PP has demanded the appearance before the Interior Committee of Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska and González herself, while also submitting three questions to the government regarding any investigations into the information published by this newspaper.
Bias read (Conservative): The article frames the issue as a political confrontation between the PP and the current government, emphasizing the alleged interference of the Guardia Civil in regional politics. It highlights the PP's demand for accountability, suggesting a right-leaning perspective by focusing on institutional不服
Why factuality (70): The article reports on the PP's demand for the appearance of Marlaska and González, based on parliamentary inquiries. It cites the specific events and political actors involved, but lacks detailed primary source documentation. Consistent with other reports on the case.
Why objectivity (85): The article presents the political demands without taking a partisan stance. It uses formal language and avoids emotive phrasing, maintaining a balanced approach.
ABC (España)IndependentConservativeFactual 70Objective 5513 days ago The PP calls for the resignation of Mercedes González, after the ABC exclusive: It is imperdonable and repugnantThe Popular Party (PP) has called for the resignation of Mercedes González, the director general of the Guardia Civil, following an exclusive report by ABC. The report alleged that González attempted to 'undermine' institutional events related to the Day of the Two May in the Community of Madrid. Jaime de los Santos, the PP's deputy secretary for Education and Equality, described her actions as 'unforgivable' and 'reprehensible,' demanding she apologize. The incident involves tensions between the PP and the Guardia Civil over the handling of these events.
Bias read (Conservative): The article frames the actions of the Guardia Civil in a negative light, using strong language such as 'imperdonable' and 'repugnante,' which aligns with the PP's perspective. It emphasizes the demand for resignation and apology from the Guardia Civil, suggesting a critical stance toward their role,
Why factuality (70): This article discusses political pressure on the head of the Guardia Civil following an exclusive report by ABC. The facts are presented through the perspective of a political party member, which introduces potential bias. There is no independent verification of the claim that the director attempted
Why objectivity (55): The article is clearly slanted towards the PP's position, using strong language such as 'imperdonable' and 'repugnante' to describe the actions of the Guardia Civil. This reflects a clear political bias rather than a balanced journalistic approach.
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