Judge Juan Carlos Peinado, who is overseeing the investigation into Begoña Gómez, the wife of Spain’s prime minister, has decided to reinstate the organization Manos Limpias as a participant in the proceedings. This followed the organization’s payment of the required fee to take part in the case and the appointment of a new attorney. However, Manos Limpias’ formal return to the case is contingent on submitting an official power of attorney for the appointed representative.
The latest court ruling notes that Manos Limpias will now be represented by attorney Antonio Lechuga Carreira, with a specially appointed representative defending the organization’s interests in court. The judge clarified that Manos Limpias has met the financial obligations required to participate as a ‘popular prosecutor.’
Nonetheless, the court has set a condition: Manos Limpias must provide a notarized power of attorney or another document confirming their representative’s authority. Only then will their participation in the case be officially confirmed. Additionally, Manos Limpias will now act jointly with other popular prosecution groups, who are unified under the legal leadership of Hazte Oír.
Reasons for the temporary exclusion of Manos Limpias
Earlier this week, Judge Peinado excluded Manos Limpias from the proceedings due to the lack of proof of payment of the fee required from all parties acting as popular prosecutors. It was Manos Limpias that initiated the case by filing a complaint based on media reports.
The decision to suspend was made on the 24th, the same day that lawyer Carlos Perales officially notified the court of his withdrawal from representing Manos Limpias. In his statement, he indicated that the organization’s actions had a political motive, which was the reason for his departure.
Unification of the accusers and next steps
The judge ruled that Manos Limpias would operate within a unified group of people’s prosecutors, now headed by Hazte Oír. This decision aims to coordinate the actions of all parties opposing Begoña Gómez and ensure a more effective handling of the case.
In the near future, Manos Limpias must submit all necessary documents for the final confirmation of their status in the proceedings. Only after this will they be able to fully participate in the court hearings and represent their interests.
The case against Begoña Gómez has attracted significant attention from the public and the media. Manos Limpias played a key role in initiating the investigation, but their involvement has been repeatedly questioned due to procedural violations and suspicions of political motivation.
The trial is ongoing, and further developments will depend on how quickly Manos Limpias can meet all the court’s formal requirements. The issue of the legitimacy of their participation and how it might affect the course of the case remains open.
