El expresidente del Gobierno José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero se ha lanzado de lleno en busca de la nulidad del indicio clave en su contra en el llamado caso Plus Ultra . Y, para ello, ha pedido al instructor, José Luis Calama, que reclame a las autoridades estadounidenses detallada información sobre cómo realizaron la intervención y el volcado del teléfono del empresario venezolano Rodolfo Reyes Rojas, cuyo contenido ha servido al magistrado para atar la imputación del exlíder del Ejecutivo. Al fin y al cabo, para que una prueba llegada del extranjero sea válida debe haberse obtenido respetando las garantías constitucionales del proceso penal en España. De lo contrario, será declarada nula, contaminando todo lo que se derive de la misma y poniendo en peligro el éxito de la causa .
La llamada operación Tigris , centrada en una red terrorista dedicada al envío de muyahidines a Irak, da buena cuenta de los riesgos de la prueba extranjera. El pilar fundamental de aquella causa fueron una serie de correos electrónicos a los que tuvo acceso la Policía por tres vías distintas : directamente de Microsoft, de los servicios de inteligencia extranjeros y a través de una comisión rogatoria enviada a Estados Unidos. La respuesta oficial de los americanos con la información facilitada por la tecnológica tardó más de un año en llegar. Sin embargo, los investigadores llevaban meses usando todos esos datos en sus oficios.
A través de esas dos primeras fuentes de información no oficiales la Policía obtuvo datos que permitieron, a su vez, poner en marcha otros medios de investigación, como la observación de números de teléfono , cuentas bancarias o personas. Pero cuando el caso llegó a juicio, todo se vino abajo. La Sección Segunda de la Sala de lo Penal, en una sentencia fechada el 30 de abril de 2009, declaró la nulidad de los emails. Y eso provocó que 10 de los 14 acusados que se sentaban en el banquillo acabaran absueltos. Unos meses después, el Tribunal Supremo tumbó, además, una de las condenas impuestas.
Sobre la primera de las fuentes, el tribunal resaltaba que se desconocía cuál había sido el procedimiento policial seguido para obtener "directamente" la información procedente de Microsoft: "Por el juzgado no se había dictado ningún auto habilitante que diera cobertura a dichas observaciones [de correos electrónicos]". En relación a la facilitada por servicios de inteligencia, apuntaba: "Solo puede caber la utilización de esta información después de obtener la correspondiente autorización judicial. [...] La inobservancia de esta prevención hace nula la obtención de informaciones de cuentas de correo a través de servicios policiales o de información extranjeros , en cuanto que tampoco ha sido objeto de autorización ni supervisión judicial expresa ni ninguna otra forma de judicialización".
En cuanto a la que llegó de forma oficial, la misma también fue descartada porque existían dudas sobre el contenido que figuraba en el CD incorporado a la causa con la información aportada por la tecnológica vía comisión rogatoria. Así, por ejemplo, explicaban los magistrados que todas las carpetas con los archivos estaban fechadas "con fecha muy posterior a la cumplimentación de la comisión rogatoria": " Cabe desconfiar si el volcado que consta en el informe policial de referencia se corresponde con el CD recibido directamente de las autoridades de EEUU [...] o si, dado que existieron varias vías paralelas de recepción de la información, se refiere a otro distinto sobre el que no ha existido ninguna constancia judicial".
No es el único caso que se ha derrumbado por la anulación de los principales elementos probatorios. La absolución de Hamed Abderrahaman, Hmido , el conocido como el talibán español, es otro ejemplo de ello. Aunque la Audiencia Nacional le había condenado a seis años, el Tribunal Supremo revocó el castigo tras tumbar todas las pruebas que se habían conseguido contra él en Guantánamo, "verdadero 'limbo' en la comunidad jurídica" , donde Hmido había sido entrevistado por dos policías españoles. En esas conversaciones reconocía su actividad con los talibanes.
De Encrochat a Falciani
En otros muchos casos, sin embargo, las pruebas obtenidas en el extranjero se han considerado perfectamente válidas. Así ocurrió, por ejemplo, en el de la célula de Al Qaeda en España liderada por Abu Dahdah . En aquella causa, plagada de comisiones rogatorias remitidas a un buen número de países, uno de los elementos que incriminaban al terrorista en el envío de muyahidines a campos de entrenamiento era un documento encontrado en diciembre de 2001 por un soldado de las Fuerzas Armadas de Reino Unido en el sur de Afganistán . Un papel en el que figuraba el número de teléfono que Dahdah tenía en su casa de Fuenlabrada.
En aquella investigación, señalan fuentes conocedoras de la misma, el instructor aseguró la prueba desde el minuto uno, garantizando la "cadena de custodia" y la "intervención del juez" británico para que toda esa informaci…
Read the full article at infoLibre →📄Source document: Montse Mínguez, PSOE spokesperson
13 reports
El PaísIndependent🔒Center2 days agoThe Popular Party (PP) has submitted a new motion to the Congress of Deputies requesting the resignation of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez following the rejection of their amendment proposals by the Congress' Bureau. The PP aims to ensure this motion passes through the governing body, which is led by socialist Francina Armengol. Meanwhile, PSOE spokesperson Montse Mínguez emphasized the party's confidence in former Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero and called for respect for his presumption of innocence during the ongoing investigation into the Plus Ultra case. She criticized what she称
Bias read (Center): The article reports on a political development without overtly favoring any side. It presents facts and quotes from multiple parties involved, including the PP, PSOE, and other officials, without apparent bias in language or emphasis.
Official sources cited
- organisation Montse Mínguez, PSOE spokesperson
- organisation Ernest Urtasun, Minister of Culture (Comuns Sumar)
elDiario.esIndependentCenter2 days agoFormer Spanish Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero gave a two-and-a-half-hour statement to Judge José Luis Calama at the National Court. In the statement, Zapatero denied having any involvement in the rescue of Plus Ultra. The investigation centers on alleged consultancy work Zapatero did for Análisis Relevante, a firm owned by his friend Julio Martínez Martínez, for which he was paid half a million euros. Investigators suggest he was paid in exchange for mediating in the rescue of Plus Ultra and other influence-peddling activities, which Zapatero denied.
Bias read (Center): The article presents Zapatero’s denial of involvement in the Plus Ultra case without overtly favoring either side. It includes direct quotes from Zapatero and references the allegations made by investigators, maintaining a balanced tone.
Official sources cited
- government Statement by José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero before Judge José Luis Calama
El MundoIndependent🔒Left2 days agoSpanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has expressed support for former President José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero regarding the discovery of valuable jewelry found in a safe belonging to Zapatero. The items, valued at around €1.3 million, have raised questions about their origin and ethical implications. Sánchez maintains his confidence in Zapatero's ability to prove his innocence, despite ongoing judicial investigations.
Bias read (Left): The article frames Sánchez’s support for Zapatero in a manner that emphasizes trust and solidarity with a former leader, using language that aligns with progressive values such as defending public figures against allegations without immediate judgment. The tone avoids critical scrutiny of Zapatero’s
Official sources cited
- court Declaración del miércoles ante el juez
- press release Comunicado a los medios
El PaísIndependent🔒Center3 days ago Sánchez dresses Zapatero, his daughters and his secretary: They have the support and empathy of the PSOE, we trust in their innocenceSpanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has publicly expressed strong support for former President José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, his daughters, and his secretary following their legal proceedings. Sánchez emphasized the PSOE's backing and trust in their innocence, despite opposition using the case to weaken the current government.
Bias read (Center): The article reports on a political statement by Sánchez without overtly favoring any side. It provides factual details about the situation and does not include biased language or one-sided sourcing.
20minutosIndependentCenter3 days agoSpanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez expressed empathy towards the daughters of former Prime Minister José Luis Zapatero following their involvement in an ongoing legal case. Sánchez stated, 'Let us hope everything can be clarified.'
Bias read (Center): The article reports on a statement made by a political figure regarding another individual's legal situation. The content does not exhibit clear bias through language, sourcing, or emphasis.
infoLibreIndependentRight3 days agoThe Foundation for Analysis and Social Studies (FAES), an ideological support group for Spain's right wing, has made criticizing scandals involving the PSOE government a central part of its editorial output. FAES regularly publishes analyses that strongly criticize Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez's administration, including recent texts such as 'Queda lo peor.' However, FAES has not addressed the case involving former President José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, despite his recent indictment for alleged influence peddling, money laundering, and organized crime. Additionally, FAES founder José María Az
Bias read (Right): The article highlights FAES's consistent criticism of the PSOE government while noting their silence on Zapatero's legal issues. The framing emphasizes FAES's ideological alignment with the right and criticizes their selective focus on scandals, suggesting a right-leaning perspective.
elDiario.esIndependentLeft4 days ago The PSOE maintains its support for Zapatero after declaring before the judge: "His legacy is valid"The Spanish Socialist Party (PSOE) has reaffirmed its public support for former Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero following his three-hour court testimony. The PSOE statement emphasizes defense of the presumption of innocence and respect for the judiciary, while also highlighting Zapatero’s voluntary submission of financial information to the court. The party defends the rule of law and criticizes what it calls 'parallel trials' and 'prejudicial convictions,' while continuing to uphold Zapatero's legacy of expanding rights and strengthening Spain's welfare state.
Bias read (Left): The article presents the PSOE's unequivocal support for Zapatero, emphasizing the party's alignment with his legal defense and legacy. It uses positive framing around Zapatero's contributions to Spain and frames criticism of judicial processes as an attack on the rule of law, which aligns with left-
Official sources cited
- organisation Comunicado oficial del PSOE sobre el apoyo a Zapatero
- court Declaración de Zapatero ante el juez
20minutosIndependentCenter5 days ago Zapatero tries to transfer tranquility to the PSOE before a statement that Ferraz sees as "determining": "It will go into everything"The article discusses Zapatero attempting to convey calmness within the PSOE before an important declaration, which Ferraz considers 'determinant,' stating 'It's going to enter everything.'
Bias read (Center): The article reports on internal discussions within the PSOE without overtly favoring any side. It presents statements from Zapatero and Ferraz without apparent bias or loaded language.
El MundoIndependent🔒Center6 days ago Sánchez aims to quell internal criticism by reporting to the PSOE Federal Committee the anti-corruption measures adopted after Ábalos and CerdánPedro Sánchez aims to address internal criticism within the PSOE by presenting an update on anti-corruption measures implemented following the legal troubles involving former officials Santos Cerdán and José Luis Ábalos. The measures include changes to financial controls, such as requiring both payment receipts and card transaction confirmations to prevent potential irregularities. These reforms come amid a restructured leadership within the party.
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information about policy changes and internal party dynamics without overtly favoring any side. It reports on Sánchez’s efforts to address corruption concerns and outlines specific procedural reforms without using biased language or selective sourcing.
Official sources cited
- organisation PSOE Direction (Ferraz)
- organisation Audiencia Nacional
El PaísIndependent🔒Center7 days ago The 'Zapatero Case' Pushes the Government to the Limit of ResistanceThe article discusses a challenging week for Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, highlighting several legal and political developments. These include preliminary hearings for Begoña Gómez, scrutiny of the head of the Guardia Civil in the Senate, former Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero testifying as an accused individual for the first time, the pending ruling in the Ábalos case, and Sánchez's upcoming press conference in Brussels amid growing political pressure.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a sequence of events without overtly favoring any political side. It reports on legal proceedings and political challenges facing PM Sánchez but does not use biased language or selectively present information to support a particular viewpoint. The tone remains factual and does 1
Official sources cited
- court Begoña Gómez's preliminary hearing before Judge Juan Carlos Peinado
- government Mercedes González's Senate testimony regarding meetings with Leire Díez
- court José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero's testimony as an accused individual
El MundoIndependent🔒Center7 days ago El PP anticipa el "armagedón" judicial de Sánchez con la foto en el banquillo de Zapatero y Begoña Gómez: "Cada semana le va peor"The article discusses the Spanish Popular Party (PP) anticipating a 'judicial Armageddon' under Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, referencing images of former Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero and his wife Begoña Gómez appearing in court. The PP suggests that Sánchez's government is facing increasing legal challenges.
Bias read (Center): The article reports on the PP's anticipation of legal challenges against the current government without overtly favoring any side. It presents the PP's perspective but does not include counterpoints or additional context that would indicate a clear ideological slant.
elDiario.esIndependentLeft7 days ago Sanchez orders his people not to be dragged along by the judicial agenda and tries to fit the damage by Zapatero's jewelsThe Spanish government is dealing with a difficult week marked by legal proceedings involving several high-profile figures, including former Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, who faces investigation over alleged smuggling and tax evasion related to seized jewelry valued at €1.3 million. The article highlights the increasing prominence of judges, prosecutors, lawyers, and police in public life, noting the frequent leaks of court documents and rulings that have become major news stories. These developments have created significant pressure on the current government.
Bias read (Left): The article frames the legal actions against Zapatero, a former leftist leader, in a manner that emphasizes their impact on the current government, which is led by the center-left PSOE. The tone suggests sympathy for the government’s challenges while highlighting the prominence of judicial actions,
infoLibreIndependentCenter9 days ago The 'Operation Tigris' or the risks of the foreign test now haunting ZapateroThe former Spanish Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero is seeking to invalidate key evidence against him in the Plus Ultra case by requesting detailed information from U.S. authorities regarding how they conducted an intervention and data extraction from the phone of Venezuelan businessman Rodolfo Reyes Rojas. The article references the 'Operation Tigris,' which involved a terrorist network sending militants to Iraq, highlighting risks associated with foreign evidence. In that case, critical evidence came from three sources: directly from Microsoft, through foreign intelligence, and by
Bias read (Center): The article presents facts about legal proceedings involving a former prime minister without overtly favoring any political side. It discusses the legal challenges of using foreign evidence but does not exhibit clear bias in language, sourcing, or emphasis.
Official sources cited
- government U.S. Authorities
- organisation Microsoft
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