The decision on whether Begoña Gómez may temporarily recover her passport to travel to Turkey and the United Kingdom remains pending after Judge Juan Carlos Peinado began his vacation without issuing a ruling. Legal sources confirmed to laSexta that the judge’s natural substitute, Carlos Valle, is also on vacation, meaning the decision will fall to a secondary substitute judge. The request concerns a planned trip for the NATO summit in Ankara and a family engagement in London.
Status of the travel authorization request
Begoña Gómez, wife of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, requested judicial authorization to travel despite the precautionary measures currently imposed on her, which include the surrender of her passport and a ban on leaving Spanish territory. According to the proposed itinerary, she intends to travel with the official delegation on July 7 to Ankara and return via London on July 10. The Fiscalía has stated it does not oppose this request, noting it aligns with their previous position regarding the case, where they previously requested the case be archived due to a lack of evidence of criminal activity.
Did You Know? The SIRAJ 2 system, which manages judicial records including precautionary measures, must be updated by a court official to temporarily lift travel restrictions for an individual. If a judge authorizes the travel, this system must reflect the change so that border authorities and security forces do not block the individual’s transit.
Political and legal reactions to the delay
The handling of the case has drawn criticism from government officials. Minister Pablo Bustinduy stated that the judge’s decisions “speak for themselves” and suggested they carry a specific “intentionality.” Similarly, the President of the Generalitat, Salvador Illa, described the judge’s attitude as one that “qualifies itself,” labeling the passport withdrawal as “excessive and inappropriate.” Meanwhile, the leader of the opposition, Alberto Núñez Feijóo, has characterized the potential presence of Gómez at international forums as “improper,” given her status as an individual under investigation.
Potential outcomes for the travel petition
Legal observers suggest a resolution is expected imminently. While the defense has provided an itinerary and argued that the security detail accompanying the Prime Minister mitigates any flight risk, the popular accusation led by Hazte Oír maintains its total opposition to the request. They argue that a "founded" risk of flight persists despite the specific nature of the travel.
Separate judicial developments
In addition to the passport matter, the organization Hazte Oír has requested that Judge Peinado cite Begoña Gómez as a witness in a separate piece of the investigation. This specific branch of the case focuses on a public contract awarded to the company of businessman Juan Carlos Barrabés by the entity Red.es. Currently, only Barrabés, who co-directed a university chair with Gómez, is listed as an investigated party in this separate procedure.
While standard procedure requires a judge to evaluate flight risk based on individual circumstances, the timing of these requests often places significant pressure on substitute judges who must interpret the original magistrate's intent while operating under strict time constraints.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Judge Peinado not deciding on the passport request?
Judge Peinado has entered his vacation period without issuing a ruling. His primary substitute, Carlos Valle, is also on vacation, necessitating that a further substitute judge take over the matter.
What is the position of the Fiscalía regarding the travel?
The Fiscalía is not opposed to the request, having expressed in a document dated July 1 that it does not object to the authorization for Gómez to leave the country between July 7 and 10.
What does the defense argue to support the travel request?
The defense argues that the trip is a closed itinerary involving an official delegation with security protocols that guarantee the presence of the individual, thereby mitigating any risk of flight.
Do you believe that judicial precautionary measures should be adjusted for official state functions?
