SpainThe Plenary of Section 23 of the Madrid Provincial Court has approved Judge Juan Carlos Peinado’s decision to proceed with a trial by jury against Begoña Gómez, wife of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez. The case, opened in 2024, involves charges of abuse of influence and misappropriation of public funds. The court rejected charges of embezzlement and corruption in business dealings but confirmed that the two remaining charges justify a trial by jury. Over 90% of such trials end in conviction. Gómez’s assistant, Cristina Álvarez, faces charges related to the alleged misappropriation of university software, though not for abuse of influence. The court clarified that the alleged harm to the Complutense University does not meet the criteria for embezzlement or misuse of public assets, as these offenses apply only to private property and non-public officials. The court also separated the investigation into Juan Carlos Barrabés Cónsul, who will face a simplified procedure regarding public contract legality. Measures restricting travel and passport possession were lifted for both Gómez and Álvarez, though they remain under surveillance.
Bias read (Center): The article presents the court's decision without overt ideological slant, focusing on legal procedures and rulings rather than taking a partisan stance. While the subject involves high-profile individuals linked to politics, the framing remains objective, detailing the legal reasoning and outcomes.
