SpainThe defense of Cristina Álvarez, assistant to Begoña Gómez, has filed a complaint alleging that Judge Juan Carlos Peinado is deliberately delaying the return of Álvarez’s passport without justification. The defense claims that the Audiencia Provincial of Madrid had already annulled the precautionary measures imposed by Peinado against the three accused, including the passport seizure. They argue that this delay constitutes an unlawful restriction on a fundamental right (freedom of movement) without valid legal grounds. Legal counsel José María de Pablo criticizes Peinado’s decision as an overreach of authority, claiming it violates exclusive jurisdiction assigned to the Letrado de Administración de Justicia. The defense insists that once the higher court overturned the precautionary measure, the passport should have been returned immediately. In contrast, Peinado has expedited the process for Begoña Gómez and Álvarez to appear before a jury, granting them five days to prepare their cases. The lawyer for Álvarez now requests that Peinado revoke his order and instruct the Letrado to deliver the passport promptly.
Bias read (Progressive): The article frames the situation as a violation of due process and fundamental rights, emphasizing the legal misconduct of the judge and the urgency of restoring the defendant’s freedoms. It highlights the conflict between judicial authority and the rule of law, aligning with progressive legal norms
