The wife of the President of the Government, Begoña Gómez, is at the courts of Plaza de Castilla in Madrid this Monday, where investigating judge Juan Carlos Peinado is holding a preliminary hearing prior to the decision on the opening of a trial with a popular jury.
Gómez accessed the judicial facilities through the garage, in a convoy with reinforced police presence, while the other two investigated individuals, Moncloa advisor Cristina Álvarez and businessman Juan Carlos Barrabés, did so through the main entrance.
A Key Hearing Before the Trial Phase
The hearing is part of the final stage of the investigation, after which the magistrate will decide whether the case is sent to the Provincial Court of Madrid for a trial with a popular jury.
The three investigated individuals are summoned to appear for alleged crimes of business corruption, influence peddling, embezzlement, and misappropriation, according to the judicial order.
The judge had previously warned that those summoned must attend the hearing compulsorily, even warning that they could be "brought by force" in case of non-appearance.
Possible Precautionary Measures Requested
During the hearing, the popular accusers, led by the organization Hazte Oír, announced their intention to request precautionary measures such as the withdrawal of passports and the obligation to appear periodically at the court, considering that there is a risk of flight.
For the moment, provisional detention is not being considered for any of the investigated individuals.
Position of the Defense and the Prosecutor's Office
For their part, Begoña Gómez's defense has requested her acquittal, considering that the investigated facts do not constitute a crime, while the Prosecutor's Office has also requested the dismissal of the case and, if applicable, the acquittal of the three defendants.
The popular accusers, however, maintain requests for conviction that in some cases reach up to 24 years in prison for Gómez, depending on the attributed crimes.
Judge Peinado must now decide if there are sufficient indications to send the case to a trial with a popular jury, which would mean the opening of a new procedural phase in an investigation that began in April 2024.