A new twist has emerged in the high-profile case in Linares (Jaén province): former mayor Juan Fernández, who led the municipality for nearly two decades, has temporarily avoided prison. A panel of judges has suspended the execution of a sentence that would have put the ex-mayor behind bars for three years and banned him from holding public office for seven years. The reason is a petition for pardon, which could be considered until August 2026.
Fernández, previously expelled from the Socialist Party, does not hide his relief. He claims the court’s decision gives him a chance to prove his innocence and have the sentence overturned. According to him, the request for pardon reflects not only his own interests but also the support of Linares residents, who have signed a petition in his defense en masse.
Details of the accusation
The essence of the accusation is that between 2011 and 2017, while serving as leader of the Socialist caucus in the city council, Fernández received monthly cash payments of €1,700 from funds allocated to the group. The total amount at issue in the case exceeded €125,000. Investigators determined that these payments were not approved by fellow party members and were made at his own initiative.
Fernández himself insists that all payments were agreed upon with the party leadership and that his actions stayed within internal arrangements. However, testimony from other council members, including former mayors, completely contradicted his claims. They stated they were unaware of such bonuses and had never received similar sums for equivalent work.
Response and support
In July this year, the issue of supporting Fernández was discussed at a city council meeting. Unexpectedly, the only ones to vote in favor of the pardon were representatives of the Partido Popular. Members of the Socialist Party and deputies from both left-wing and far-right parties did not attend the session. Nevertheless, the initiative was backed by the Federation of Neighborhood Associations, which collected thousands of signatures in support of the former mayor.
Fernández himself compared his situation to the well-known story of Fuenteovejuna, hinting at collective support from local residents. He claims to be the victim of political intrigue linked to his conflict with former regional Socialist leader Susana Díaz. According to him, this conflict led to his expulsion from the party and the subsequent criminal prosecution.
Court rulings
The Supreme Court of Spain in June of this year definitively rejected Fernández’s appeal, upholding the sentence previously handed down by the court of Andalucía. Initially, the former mayor faced four years in prison and a ten-year ban from holding public office, but the sentence was reduced on appeal.
The judges noted that using the group’s public funds for personal enrichment, even if it meant supplementing the mayor’s salary, is illegal. The defense’s argument that Fernández was unaware of the public nature of these funds was deemed unconvincing.
What happens next
The court’s suspension of the sentence remains in effect until the end of August 2026. If the pardon request is not granted by then, Fernández will have to go to prison. He continues to insist on his innocence and hopes to avoid punishment.
The story of the former mayor of Linares continues to stir controversy and debate in the city. Many residents see him as a victim of political infighting, while others view him as a symbol of official impunity. The final decision in the case now lies with the higher authorities.
