The Board of Judges of the Investigating Section of the Court of First Instance of Madrid has expressed its support for the controversial magistrate Juan Carlos Peinado in view of the “professional and personal attacks” received in recent days, in relation to the investigation affecting Begoña Gómez. In an institutional statement, the judges criticize the “disqualifications” coming from minister Félix Bolaños, and warn that these actions “try to undermine citizens' trust in judges”, while asserting that “the law is equal for all, without privileges”.
The pronouncement occurs after the magistrate has advanced in the investigation affecting Begoña Gómez, wife of the President of the Government, Pedro Sánchez, and that places her on the verge of trial for several alleged crimes. The judicial decisions have generated a strong political reaction in recent days.
From the Executive, Bolaños openly criticized Peinado's actions, assuring that “has shamed many citizens” and also “many judges and magistrates”, statements that have now been responded to by his own career colleagues.
In their statement, the judges emphasize that they will continue to carry out their work “as members of the Judicial Power” and in public service to citizens, insisting on the need to preserve judicial independence against any external pressure.
The institutional statement avoids expressly mentioning the so-called Begoña Gómez case, but makes it clear that the support for Peinado occurs as a direct consequence of the “permanent questioning of his jurisdictional work”, in a context of growing tension between the Judiciary and the Executive.
