Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez’s spouse Begona Gomez, indicted on embezzlement allegations, didn’t present Saturday at a listening to meant to formally notify her she ought to face trial, in accordance with a authorized supply on the appointment.
Gomez — who can attraction the trial advice — cited a authorized instruction saying that such “notification” hearings didn’t require the presence of the indicted celebration and she or he was represented by her lawyer, the supply mentioned.
The choose investigating the case towards her had summoned Gomez to formally inform her that his preliminary investigation confirmed a jury trial was warranted.
He has been investigating allegations that Gomez used a state-funded assistant she had as Sanchez’s spouse to do work for her when she held a place at Madrid’s Complutense College.
Gomez denied wrongdoing throughout a September 10 court docket look earlier than the choose, Juan Carlos Peinado.
However the long-running probe has confirmed a humiliation for the leftist premier and put his minority coalition beneath strain.
Gomez’s assistant, Cristina Alvarez, and the one that employed her — additionally indicted — didn’t present both to the listening to, sending their legal professionals as a substitute.
Each the prosecution and the defence groups have known as for the case to be dismissed, saying the accused aren’t civil servants.
The choose is anticipated to provide his choice within the coming days.
In a preliminary ruling made public on Wednesday, Peinado mentioned the investigation instructed that Alvarez had “clearly” appeared to exceed her duties as an worker in Sanchez’s workplace.
He mentioned Gomez’s “private friendship” with Alvarez was the explanation for her appointment.
Commercial
The choose can also be investigating whether or not Gomez exploited her place as Sanchez’s spouse for personal profit after complaints by teams with far-right ties.
Two heavyweight politicians in Sanchez’s Socialist celebration have additionally come beneath the choose’s crosshairs, as has Sanchez’s youthful brother.
Sanchez on Wednesday mentioned he was assured that “the reality will finally prevail” and that his spouse and brother can be discovered harmless.
He has railed towards what he mentioned are “false accusations” designed to destabilise his authorities.
