El expresidente del Gobierno José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero ha puesto fin este miércoles a casi un mes de silencio con un escueto comunicado. El texto, hecho público tras su paso por la Audiencia Nacional, apenas ofrece detalles sobre su comparecencia como investigado en el llamado caso Plus Ultra . Más bien, es un alegato en defensa de su inocencia . A lo largo de cuatro párrafos, el exlíder de los socialistas pide "confianza" a quienes un día creyeron en él . Y también paciencia. Porque ahora tiene "por delante" la "tarea" de demostrar que no cometió los delitos que se le atribuyen. "Nos costará más o menos tiempo demostrarlo, pero la verdad se abrirá paso", sostiene el exlíder del Ejecutivo.
La declaración de Zapatero ante el magistrado José Luis Calama, que por el momento le imputa formalmente cuatro delitos –tráfico de influencias, blanqueo de capitales, delito contra la Hacienda Pública y contrabando–, no es, ni mucho menos, un punto final. Aún queda mucho camino por recorrer. Una vez cruzado este primer puente, lo previsible es que el instructor empiece a citar al resto de investigados en la causa . De los cuatro detenidos el pasado diciembre, solo Julio Martínez Martínez, amigo íntimo del exlíder del Ejecutivo y dueño de Análisis Relevante –empresa de la que cobraba Zapatero–, declaró cuando pasó a disposición judicial, aunque solo respondiendo a las preguntas de su abogado. El resto –los directivos de Plus Ultra Julio Martínez Sola y Roberto Roselli y el abogado de la aerolínea– prefirieron guardar silencio .
Tampoco es descartable que el expresidente vuelva a acudir a la Audiencia Nacional para dar explicaciones sobre las joyas incautadas durante el registro de su oficina, unas piezas a las que la tasación pericial dio un valor de 1,3 millones de euros y que han provocado la apertura de una pieza separada por fraude fiscal y contrabando. La defensa de Zapatero, que ejerce el procesalista Víctor Moreno Catena, solicitó aplazar el interrogatorio por este asunto para poder recabar la documentación necesaria. Calama se negó. Y el expresidente ha preferido, por tanto, no pronunciarse sobre las mismas en su declaración como investigado. Una vez reúna los papeles que le permitan acreditar su origen, el exlíder socialista puede solicitar una declaración voluntaria para dar explicaciones precisas sobre las mismas.
Por otro lado, aún está por analizar toda la documentación incautada tanto en el registro del despacho del expresidente del Gobierno como en la empresa de sus hijas –la agencia WhaTheFav–, que habría recibido en seis años 239.755 euros de Análisis Relevante, además de 561.440 euros de Inteligencia Prospectiva , una sociedad, según los investigadores, con "escasos ingresos y un volumen muy elevado de gastos por trabajos realizados por otras empresas y servicios exteriores". Dentro de este material, resulta de especial relevancia el móvil de Gertrudis Alcázar, secretaria de Zapatero, cuyo contenido volcaron los investigadores . O la copia que se hizo tanto de su ordenador como de los correos electrónicos.
Zapatero niega haber influido en el rescate de Plus Ultra y defiende su inocencia: “No tengo nada fuera de España”
Ver más
Del mismo modo, aún queda pendiente todo lo relativo al teléfono móvil del empresario venezolano Rodolfo Reyes Rojas, quien fuera accionista mayoritario de Plus Ultra. El contenido de dicho dispositivo, volcado en 2021 por el Homeland Security Investigations y remitido por la agencia estadounidense a la Policía española el pasado 18 de marzo , es uno de los indicios clave en la causa. "Nuestro pana Zapatero detrás" , "Lo tiene Grupo Zapatero desde esta mañana", "Los de gowair saben lo que hacemos incluso que zapa es nuestro contacto", "No sé si será bueno que le hagan un toque técnico desde arriba o que Zapatero hable con alguien en la SEPI" o "Lo que quiero, es que hablé con la SEPI, él o Zapatero, y saquen aunque sea de palabra que nos conceden la ayuda con un 100% de seguridad" son alguno de los mensajes extraídos del mismo.
La defensa del expresidente aspira a sacar el contenido de ese móvil del procedimiento. Y para ello ha solicitado al instructor que en la comisión rogatoria que pretende cursar a Estados Unidos para solicitar que los mensajes puedan usarse como prueba se solicite a las autoridades de aquel país detalles clave sobre cómo se llevó a cabo la extracción y cómo se custodió a lo largo de estos cinco años . La defensa pretende conocer, entre otras cosas, la "concreta resolución judicial", "orden" o "autorización administrativa" que amparó la incautación y clonado del dispositivo, así como el procedimiento o investigación que existiera entonces en Estados Unidos contra Reyes Rojas y que motivara el mismo.
Está por ver, del mismo modo, si Calama cursa también una comisión rogatoria a Emiratos Árabes Unidos para pedir información sobre Landside Middle East FZCO , una sociedad que estaría controlada al 100% por Idella Consulenza Strategica, la compañía de Ju…
Read the full article at infoLibre →📄Source document: Auto del Juez José Luis Calama
17 reports
ABC (España)IndependentCenter2 days agoAn exclusive report by 'Espejo Público' (Antena 3) reveals the first conversation between former Spanish Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero and his daughters after he was indicted by Judge Calama. The conversation, described as intimate and lengthy, included the daughters expressing full trust in their father, believing that everything he said was legal and that he would be able to prove it.
Bias read (Center): The article presents an exclusive interview without overtly biased language or framing. It reports on the content of the conversation between Zapatero and his daughters without taking a stance on the legality or innocence of Zapatero. The tone remains neutral, focusing on the emotional support shown
El MundoIndependent🔒Center2 days agoFormer Spanish Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero is reportedly upset by the legal charges against his daughters, Alba and Laura Rodríguez Espinosa, and their former secretary Gertrudis Alcázar in the Plus Ultra case. Sources close to Zapatero indicate that this outcome was anticipated, and he and his lawyer had been preparing for it. The National Court judge José Luis Calama has ordered the imputation of these individuals at the request of the Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office and the public prosecution. There are concerns within Zapatero's circle that Julio Martínez Martínez, the
Bias read (Center): The article presents facts without overtly biased language or selective sourcing. It reports on legal proceedings involving a former high-ranking politician and does not take a clear stance on the allegations or defend/attack any side.
Official sources cited
- court Auto del Juez José Luis Calama
- government Fiscalía Anticorrupción
El PaísIndependent🔒Center2 days agoFormer Spanish Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero testified before a court that he was asked by his friend Julio Martínez Martínez to intervene with Banco Santander to ensure they were attended to regarding the airline Plus Ultra. Zapatero denied influencing the 53 million euro rescue provided by the government to the airline or discussing the matter with any public officials. However, he acknowledged making such an intervention but downplayed its significance.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a factual account of Zapatero's testimony without overtly favoring either side. It includes direct quotes from Zapatero and mentions his denial of influence, while also noting his acknowledgment of the intervention. The framing remains neutral, focusing on the facts of the legal
Official sources cited
- court Testimony of José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero
elDiario.esIndependentCenter3 days agoFormer Spanish Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero denied knowing about the alleged creation of an offshore company in Dubai during his testimony before a national court judge. He stated, 'I have never heard of an offshore company in my life.' The judge was investigating a potential scheme involving a 1% commission paid to Plus Ultra in exchange for facilitating a public rescue of the airline. During the hearing, the judge also questioned Zapatero about a dinner at a seafood restaurant in late January 2021, which had been reserved by one of his bodyguards due to difficulties in booking
Bias read (Center): The article presents Zapatero's denial of knowledge regarding the offshore company without apparent bias. It includes direct quotes from Zapatero and details of the judicial inquiry without overtly favoring any side. The framing remains neutral, focusing on the legal process and statements made by涉案
Official sources cited
- court Testimony of José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero before the National Court
El PaísIndependent🔒Center3 days ago The audios of Zapatero's statement to the judge: "I have not exerted any influence on the rescue of Plus Ultra [...] that is an unquestionable truth"Former Spanish Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero gave a three-hour statement before National Court Judge José Luis Clama regarding his involvement in the rescue of the Plus Ultra oil rig. Zapatero stated that he did not exert any influence over the rescue operation and emphasized his belief in equality before the law. He also expressed gratitude for the postponement of his appearance and reaffirmed his adherence to legality in all professional activities.
Bias read (Center): The article presents Zapatero's statement without overtly biased language or selective sourcing. It reports directly on his claims and does not appear to favor either side of the investigation. The framing remains neutral, focusing on the content of his declaration rather than implying judgment or倾向
Official sources cited
- government Declaración de José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero ante el juez
El ConfidencialIndependent🔒Right3 days agoFormer Spanish Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero admitted to a judge that he asked Banco Santander to receive the Plus Ultra bank, stating he made the call so they could attend to them.
Bias read (Right): The article focuses on former PM Zapatero admitting to making a call to Banco Santander regarding Plus Ultra, which is likely related to corruption or financial misconduct allegations. The framing implies wrongdoing by a high-profile political figure, suggesting a right-leaning perspective that may側
El MundoIndependent🔒Right3 days ago PP lashes out at Zapatero for imputing his daughters: "You have to be very sick to turn them into alleged head-hunters"The Partido Popular (PP) has strongly criticized former Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero over the judicial imputation of his daughters in the Plus Ultra case. The PP claims that this development adds weight to existing doubts about Zapatero's leadership and suggests that the Socialist Party has no limits in its actions. PP spokesperson Borja Sémper stated that it takes a seriously ill person to turn their own daughters into alleged straw men. The National Court judge José Luis Calama has ordered the imputation of Zapatero’s daughters, Alba and Laura Rodríguez Espinosa, as well as to
Bias read (Right): The article uses strong, emotionally charged language such as 'hay que estar muy enfermo' (one must be very sick) to criticize Zapatero, implying moral failure. It frames the imputation of Zapatero's daughters as an extreme and unjust action, suggesting the Socialists have 'no limit.' This framing,
Official sources cited
- court Auto del juez José Luis Calama
- government Fiscalía Anticorrupción
RTVE NoticiasState / PublicCenter3 days agoA judge has agreed to investigate the daughters of former Spanish Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero and his secretary in relation to the Plus Ultra case.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a factual statement without explicit framing, word-choice, or emphasis that indicates a particular ideological slant. It reports on an ongoing legal investigation without commentary or biased language.
20minutosIndependentCenter3 days agoA judge has indicted the daughters of former Spanish Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero and his secretary Gertrudis Alcázar.
Bias read (Center): The article reports on a legal proceeding without apparent framing or slant. It does not include commentary, opinion, or biased language. The focus is on the judicial action itself, with no indication of favoring any side in the case.
Official sources cited
- government Judicial decision
infoLibreIndependentCenter3 days agoFormer Spanish Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero has ended nearly a month of silence with a brief statement following his appearance before the National Court as an investigated individual in the so-called Plus Ultra case. The statement, released after his court appearance, asserts his innocence and asks for trust and patience while he works to prove it. Zapatero faces four formal charges—abuse of influence, money laundering, tax offenses, and smuggling—imposed by magistrate José Luis Calama. His declaration is not considered the end of the process, as the investigator is expected to
Bias read (Center): The article presents Zapatero's statement and legal situation without overtly favoring any side. It reports on the charges against him, his response, and the ongoing nature of the investigation. There is no clear ideological framing or biased language.
Official sources cited
- press release Zapatero's Statement
El PaísIndependent🔒Center3 days ago The judge upholds Zapatero's indictment after a demanding interrogation and four sources of evidenceFormer Spanish Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero appeared before the National Court as part of the Plus Ultra case. He described the interrogation as 'demanding' but stated he had answered most questions. Zapatero maintained his innocence, stating that the truth would eventually emerge. The judge still has many unanswered questions and suspicions to investigate.
Bias read (Center): The article presents facts without overtly favoring any side. It reports on Zapatero’s appearance before the court, his statements, and the judge’s ongoing investigation. There is no clear ideological framing or biased language.
Official sources cited
- press release Statement by José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero after the interrogation
ABC (España)IndependentCenter4 days ago The judge keeps the passport to Zapatero and warns that the evidence persists after the statementA national court judge in Spain has rejected the imposition of precautionary measures for former Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero following his declaration as an investigated individual in the Plus Ultra case. The judge noted that the evidence leading to Zapatero's indictment remains intact. After Zapatero's three-hour declaration as an investigated person, a hearing was held where parties presented their requests to the judge. Zapatero's lawyer opposed these requests. The anti-corruption prosecutor, Elena Lorente, had asked the investigating judge to revoke Zapatero's passport and,
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual details of legal proceedings without overtly favoring any side. It reports on judicial decisions and the positions taken by both the defense and prosecution without using biased language or emphasizing one perspective over another.
Official sources cited
- government Juez de la Audiencia Nacional José Luis Calama
- other Abogado del expresidente, Victor Moreno
- government Fiscal de Anticorrupción Elena Lorente
El MundoIndependent🔒Center4 days ago The judge claims that Zapatero "has failed to distort the rational indications of criminality" with his statementA judge has rejected the imposition of precautionary measures for former Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero after his declaration as an investigated individual in the Plus Ultra case. The judge considers Zapatero's public notoriety to make it unlikely he would flee or evade the legal process. The judge also stated there is no evidence of intent to destroy evidence, as key elements of the investigation have already been addressed.
Bias read (Center): The article presents the judge's decision without overtly favoring any side. It quotes the judge’s reasoning directly and does not include commentary or framing that suggests a particular ideological stance. The language remains neutral, focusing on the legal rationale provided by the judge.
Official sources cited
- government El juez José Luis Calama
elDiario.esIndependentCenter4 days ago Judge Calama concludes that Zapatero's statement has not dispelled the suspicions against himJudge José Luis Calama has concluded that former Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero's statement as an investigated individual did not dispel suspicions against him, which form the basis of his formal charges for four crimes, including abuse of influence. The judge ruled out imposing precautionary measures, stating that the evidence against Zapatero is independent of legal requirements for such measures. The ruling highlights new developments regarding the case, including indications that funds from the Plus Ultra rescue may have passed through Zapatero’s accounts after he denied anyin
Bias read (Center): The article presents the judge's findings without overtly favoring either side. It reports the legal conclusions and evidence presented by the court without apparent ideological framing or selective emphasis.
Official sources cited
- court Auto del juez José Luis Calama
El PaísIndependent🔒Center4 days ago Zapatero assures the judge that he never influenced the rescue of Plus Ultra and does not declare for the jewelsFormer Spanish Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero denied any involvement in the public rescue of 53 million euros granted to airline Plus Ultra during the pandemic, which was approved by the cabinet under current Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez in 2021. Zapatero appeared before the National Court as an indicted defendant and stated his innocence, emphasizing his conduct was 'decent' and 'honest'. The Public Prosecution Service requested restrictions such as passport revocation and mandatory court appearances every 15 days, but these were denied due to Zapatero’s public visibility and 'ob
Bias read (Center): The article presents Zapatero's denial of involvement in the rescue package and includes direct quotes from him and legal sources without overtly favoring either side. It does not use loaded language or selectively omit context.
Official sources cited
- court Audiencia Nacional
- government Fiscalía Anticorrupción
20minutosIndependentCenter4 days ago Zapatero assures that he did not contact any authorities to influence the rescue of Plus Ultra and denies the bitesFormer Spanish Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero has denied any involvement with authorities to influence the rescue operation of the Plus Ultra submarine and has rejected allegations of bribes.
Bias read (Center): The article presents Zapatero's denial without apparent bias, quoting his statements directly. It does not favor one side over another nor use loaded language. The framing appears balanced, focusing on the claims made by Zapatero without additional commentary or sourcing that would indicate a clear傾
Official sources cited
- government Zapatero's public statement
RTVE NoticiasState / PublicCenter4 days ago Judge Calama refuses to impose precautionary measures on Zapatero in the Plus Ultra caseThe judge Calama has rejected imposing precautionary measures against Zapatero in the Plus Ultra case.
Bias read (Center): The article reports a judicial decision without apparent framing or slant. It presents the outcome of a legal ruling neutrally, with no evident emphasis on one side over another.
Spain