The Government considers "incomprehensible" the decision of Juan Carlos Peinado's substitute judge regarding the travels of Begoña Gómez. The wife of Pedro Sánchez will be able to travel to London to attend her daughter's graduation, but will not be able to accompany the president to the NATO summit in Ankara.
The resolution was signed by magistrate Antonio Viejo, after Peinado went on vacation without resolving the request. Gómez had requested authorization to leave Spain between July 7 and 10, with two destinations: Turkey, as part of the official Spanish delegation to the NATO summit, and the United Kingdom, for a family event.
Executive sources cited by 'elDiario.es' have described the magistrate's criterion as "incomprehensible". Neither of the two countries belongs to the European Union. Even so, the judge differentiates between both destinations because the United Kingdom maintains a "good relationship of judicial cooperation" with Spain even after Brexit, while Turkey is outside the European area of freedom, security, and justice.
Permission for London and veto for Ankara
The court authorizes Begoña Gómez to travel to London between July 8 and 10. To do this, she must temporarily collect her passport and return it to the court upon her return, on July 13, the first business day after the trip.
The permit is based on the family nature of the event and on judicial cooperation with the United Kingdom. In contrast, the magistrate rejects the trip to Ankara, considering that Gómez would not have an active intervention in the summit and that her presence would be due to reasons of institutional courtesy.
Gómez's defense had provided the official invitation sent by Emine Erdogan, wife of the Turkish president, and had explained that the trip would be made with the Spanish delegation and with the security team that accompanies the President of the Government.
The Prosecutor's Office did not oppose her leaving Spain. The popular accusations, led by HazteOír, demanded to maintain the prohibition due to the risk of flight they attribute to the president's wife.
The controversy comes from Peinado's precautionary measures
Peinado withdrew Begoña Gómez's passport on June 20, prohibited her from leaving the country, and imposed periodic appearances in court after opening oral proceedings against her for alleged crimes of influence peddling, corruption in business, embezzlement, and misappropriation.
The defense appealed these measures before the Provincial Court of Madrid considering them disproportionate. Peinado's order also provoked a strong reaction from the Ministry of Interior and police unions for suggesting that Gómez's bodyguards could collaborate in a possible escape.
The Madrid Court already has several appeals related to the case on the table. On July 13, it is scheduled to study the allegations against the transformation of the procedure into a jury trial. That same day, Begoña Gómez must return to court to hand over her passport.
This breaking news is being updated. The editorial staff of ElConstitucional.es is working to expand the news and offer you the best information.
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