Begoña Gómez Trial Sparks Outcry from Spanish Police Unions
Spanish police unions have strongly condemned a ruling by Judge Juan Carlos Peinado, who ordered the trial of Begoña Gómez, the partner of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, citing concerns over her potential flight from justice despite her police escort. The decision, which includes stripping Gómez of her passport and requiring her to appear weekly at a Madrid court, has drawn sharp criticism from multiple police federations.
Why Are Police Unions Criticizing the Judge’s Ruling?
The National Police Union (Jupol) called Peinado’s reasoning a “true barbarity,” emphasizing that officers assigned to protect high-ranking officials, including Gómez, “strictly adhere to the law and act with professionalism.” A statement from Jupol reiterated that the police “guarantee the security of authorities without deviation from legal frameworks.” The Union of National Police (SUP) echoed these concerns, rejecting any implication that officers might collude with suspects. “It is especially worrying to suggest that police could aid in evading justice, either through personal initiative or orders,” SUP stated.
What Are the Charges Against Begoña Gómez?
Peinado’s ruling accuses Gómez of trafficking of influence, corruption, misappropriation, and embezzlement. The judge argued that her police protection does not eliminate the risk of her fleeing Spain, a claim the Confederation of Spanish Police (CEP) dismissed as “an intolerable, scandalous, and miserable offense” to officers. CEP emphasized that “no officer would assist her in evading justice, as they are bound by legal obligations.” The Unión Federal de Policía (UFP) also criticized the judge’s “baseless accusations,” noting that police “prevent crime, not facilitate it.”
How Does This Compare to Previous Cases?
The ruling contrasts with Judge José Luis Calama’s 2020 decision to exempt former Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero from pretrial measures due to his public status. Calama noted that high-profile individuals “are difficult to evade due to their visibility.” Peinado’s approach, however, has drawn accusations of political bias. Moncloa, the prime minister’s office, described the judge’s actions as “a persecution driven by obsession and disproportion,” alleging the investigation lacks “any legal sense.”
What Are the Next Steps in the Case?
Gómez, along with former advisor Cristina Álvarez and business associate Juan Carlos Barrabés, faces trial on multiple charges. The judge’s order requires Gómez to appear at his court in Madrid’s Plaza de Castilla, a detail that has further fueled criticism. Unions and legal analysts argue the decision risks undermining public trust in both the judiciary and law enforcement.
El Mundo and El País reported on the unions’ statements, while Cinco Días analyzed the legal implications of the case.