Marlaska comes out in defense of Mercedes González and the DAO after her indictment in the 'Leire case'

Following the indictment agreed this Thursday by the judge of the Audiencia Nacional, Santiago Pedraz, against the general director of the Guardia Civil, Mercedes González, and the deputy operational director (DAO), Manuel Llamas, within the framework of the so-called 'Leire Díez case', the Minister of Interior, Fernando Grande-Marlaska, has publicly shown his support for both commanders of the Armed Institute. The minister has assured that "they will continue to exercise their functions as before and show maximum collaboration with Justice in everything that is required of them," ruling out for the moment, any change in the direction of the body despite the judicial decision.

Pedraz's resolution sets the appearance of Mercedes González and Manuel Llamas as investigated for next July 16, upon finding evidence of alleged crimes of prevarication and obstruction of judicial work. The decision is adopted within the investigation that seeks to clarify the alleged actions attributed to former socialist militant Leire Díez, related to attempts to promote investigations into the Central Operational Unit (UCO) for possible leaks in cases affecting the Government, as well as alleged pressures directed against agents participating in those inquiries.

The indictment comes after the Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office supported the advisability of summoning both officials and just one day after the Popular Party, appearing as a unified private prosecution in the SEPI case, requested the magistrate to indict Mercedes González for her meetings with Leire Díez and for the alleged collaboration in the investigated actions against the UCO. The request was included in a document to which ElConstitucional.es had access.