A judge has launched a scathing attack on the Badajoz Provincial Council, refusing to comply with demands to destroy critical emails related to Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s brother. The emails are at the center of a growing controversy involving possible misconduct within the council, which has sparked political tensions. Despite pressure to erase the communication, the judge argued that the emails contained critical evidence in an ongoing investigation. This defiant stance has intensified scrutiny of Sánchez’s family and raised questions about the transparency and integrity of the provincial government.
The judge presiding over the investigation into the hiring of Pedro Sánchez’s brother by the Badajoz Provincial Council has firmly rejected a request to eliminate key evidence in the case. The investigative judge, Beatriz Biedma, denied socialist deputy Francisco Martos’ plea to destroy corporate emails seized by the Civil Guard’s Central Operational Unit (UCO), affirming that the action was “appropriate” for uncovering details of the controversial contract.
In a ruling accessed by Vozpópuli, Judge Biedma, head of the Court of Instruction No. 3 of Badajoz, emphasized the necessity of retaining the emails. She argued that the investigation is not speculative but rather a targeted inquiry within the correct timeframe to determine the specifics surrounding the creation of a position awarded to David Azagra by the PSOE-controlled Provincial Council.
“The measure is entirely suitable for its intended purpose, and it cannot be replaced by witness testimony or further document requests from the Provincial Council, as these have proven insufficient for the investigative goals, as evidenced by the proceedings,” Biedma stated in her order.
The Provincial Council’s emails
The instructor has once again expressed concerns regarding the collaboration of the Provincial Council of Badajoz, previously criticizing the council for its failure to meet court requirements. Specifically, she has requested all documentation related to the establishment of the position of Coordinator of Activities for the Conservatories of Music within the council.
In early July, the judge cautioned the Badajoz Provincial Council to properly provide information regarding the working hours, compatibility, and location of the position held by Sánchez’s brother, who, five years after securing the role, was promoted to head of the Office of Performing Arts.
The judge deemed the measures taken as entirely appropriate, asserting that witness testimonies or further documentary requests to the Provincial Council could not adequately substitute for the necessary documentation already requested, which had proven insufficient.
In light of the inability to clarify these matters, the judge granted the UCO’s request to seize emails from eight officials of the Provincial Council, including David Azagra, Sánchez’s brother. This order encompasses all corporate communications from January 1, 2016, to December 31, 2022—the year in which he received his promotion without a competitive process.
Three PSOE deputies are among those affected by this decision. One of them, Francisco Martos, has raised concerns about the potential violation of his fundamental rights. In a letter published by this newspaper, he criticized both the Civil Guard and the judge, suggesting that less invasive measures could have been employed.
Sanchez’s brother’s contract
Martos Ortiz, who approved David Sánchez’s promotion in 2022, contends that the case is unwarranted and has requested the destruction of the emails in question. He argues that if these communications were made public, they could reveal numerous exchanges that would impact not only his professional standing but also his personal and family life.
However, both the UCO and the investigating judge remain resolute. The judge asserts that these communications could provide critical insights into whether there was an arrangement within the Provincial Council to create a position for the brother of the Government’s president.
Additionally, the judge is working to clarify the true financial status of David Sánchez, following a complaint from Manos Limpias that alleged his assets total two million euros. In response to the court’s inquiry, the Provincial Council reported that, as of July, Sánchez had received 280,845 euros. The judge is also investigating whether the musician resides in Elvas, Portugal, given that his contract specifies he must provide professional services “regularly in Badajoz.”
Investigators suspect that a series of preparatory actions occurred among those involved in the Provincial Council, and they believe the seized communications could uncover significant details regarding these activities. The judge supports this line of inquiry, stating that analyzing emails from 2016 is a logical step, as it pertains to the preparations for creating and awarding the position, which took place in 2007.
Personification of Liberum
Additionally, the judge has approved the inclusion of the Liberum Association as a private accuser in the case. This decision comes in response to an appeal from Sánchez’s brother, who contested the association’s involvement. The judge dismissed this appeal, noting that Liberum meets the necessary criteria for participation, as its statutes explicitly state a commitment to “promote, ensure, and urge compliance with the legal system in Spain.”
Liberum, which is also engaged in other legal proceedings, such as the Koldo case, has expressed a desire to participate actively, emphasizing its intent to seek accountability for any violations of the legal system. The association highlighted its extensive history of initiating proceedings before various judicial bodies, including the Supreme Court, the General Court of the European Union, higher courts across Spain, and the Constitutional Court.
In its defense, the Liberum Association stated, “We were established to uphold the legal system in all its facets, including criminal law, as exemplified by the current case, which involves an alleged crime of misappropriation of public funds.”
This development solidifies Liberum’s role in the proceedings against Sánchez’s brother, as well as against Miguel Ángel Gallardo, the president of the Provincial Council, and Alejandro Cardenal, the head of the legal support and inspection service of the Human Resources area. They are being investigated for potential crimes against public administration, including prevarication, influence peddling, embezzlement, and illicit enrichment, as well as violations against the Public Treasury.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the judge’s criticism of the Badajoz Provincial Council?
The judge criticized the council for failing to comply with court requirements related to the documentation of the promotion of David Sánchez’s brother to a key position within the council.
What specific documentation did the judge request from the council?
The judge requested all documents related to the creation of the position of Coordinator of Activities for the Conservatories of Music and additional information about working hours, compatibility, and location of the promoted position.
What actions did the judge take regarding the council’s lack of cooperation?
The judge ordered the seizure of emails from eight officials within the Provincial Council, including Sánchez’s brother, to obtain necessary evidence related to the case.
How has the Badajoz Provincial Council responded to these allegations?
The council has been scrutinized for not adequately providing the requested documentation. Some officials, including deputies, have expressed concerns about the investigation violating their rights.
What is the significance of the Liberum Association’s involvement in the case?
The judge allowed the Liberum Association to join as a private accuser, as it advocates for compliance with the legal system. This inclusion highlights broader concerns about accountability within public administration.
What potential crimes are being investigated?
The investigation includes allegations of prevarication, influence peddling, embezzlement, illicit enrichment, and other offenses against public administration and the Public Treasury.
What are the implications for the individuals involved, including David Sánchez?
The ongoing investigation may lead to legal consequences for those implicated, including potential charges and further scrutiny of their financial activities and professional conduct.
How is this case impacting public trust in the Badajoz Provincial Council?
The judge’s critiques and the ongoing investigation could undermine public confidence in the council’s governance and adherence to legal standards.
Conclusion\
The judge’s critical stance towards the Badajoz Provincial Council underscores significant concerns regarding transparency, accountability, and compliance with legal standards within public administration. The ongoing investigation into the promotion of David Sánchez’s brother, coupled with the judge’s orders for documentation and evidence seizure, highlights potential misconduct and raises questions about the integrity of the council’s decision-making processes.
The involvement of the Liberum Association as a private accuser further emphasizes the call for oversight and adherence to the law. As the case unfolds, it will likely have lasting implications for public trust in the Badajoz Provincial Council and may catalyze broader discussions on governance and ethics within public institutions in Spain. Ultimately, this situation serves as a critical reminder of the importance of accountability and the rule of law in ensuring the effective functioning of governmental bodies.
