Spanish judge sends Pedro Sánchez's wife to trial, revokes passport

A Spanish judge has ordered Begoña Gómez, the wife of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, to stand trial on corruption charges. The court also prohibited her from leaving the country, requiring her to report to authorities twice a month until a verdict is reached. This decision deepens the judicial scandals surrounding the socialist leader's family and inner circle, potentially threatening the survival of his precarious minority government. The case centers on a university chair Gómez co-directed and the alleged use of public resources and personal contacts for private gain. The judge, Juan Carlos Peinado, ordered Gómez to surrender her passport. The court will inform all border crossings and airports to prevent her from leaving the country. The judicial ruling did not set a trial date. The investigation, which began in April 2024 following a complaint from an anti-corruption group with far-right ties, also involves allegations of embezzlement, influence peddling, corruption, and misappropriation of funds. The judge stated the chair served as a means for the investigated person's private professional development. The Minister of Justice, Félix Bolaños, reacted to the news on social media, calling it a "dark day" but expressing confidence that justice and truth would prevail. The judge rejected arguments that Gómez's police protection would prevent her from fleeing, citing the possibility of agents assisting in an escape. Sánchez, who previously suspended his duties to consider his position, and Gómez deny all accusations. The prime minister frames the case as a right-wing campaign to undermine his government.

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Today is a dark day for those of us who believe in Justice. Despite everything, I continue to trust in her and I know that reason and truth will eventually prevail.