A new phase is unfolding in Sevilla (Sevilla) in the high-profile investigation concerning the €1.3 million financial support granted by Pickman La Cartuja. The court handling the case has unexpectedly summoned 21 individuals for questioning. Among them is the former advisor to the Andalusian government, Francisco Vallejo (Francisco Vallejo), whose name has repeatedly surfaced in the region’s scandals.
The presiding judge upheld the request from the anti-corruption prosecutor and scheduled interrogations for several dates: March 18, 24, and 25, as well as April 7. The investigation period has also been extended for another six months, until June 21. This decision signals that the inquiry will go beyond a superficial review, with authorities intent on uncovering the full truth of what occurred.
Particular attention was drawn to the fact that one of those summoned is a current member of the Andalusian Parliament from the PSOE party. The judge has ordered that he be formally notified of his right to participate in the proceedings and has sent a request to parliament to confirm his status. If it is confirmed that this individual indeed possesses parliamentary immunity, the investigation pertaining to him may be transferred to the jurisdiction of the Tribunal Superior de Justicia de Andalucía (TSJA).
MP under suspicion
The involvement of a PSOE deputy adds particular urgency to the case. According to current legislation, if the person in question is an elected official, their case must be handled exclusively by the region’s highest court. However, the judge is in no rush to transfer the materials to the TSJA, believing that it is still too early to do so. In his view, all evidence must first be gathered and it must be clearly established what possible responsibility the deputy may bear.
The court order notes that the deputy’s status was obtained from open sources, specifically from the official website of the Andalusian Parliament. This highlights the transparency of the process, but at the same time leaves room for maneuver: until all the necessary evidence is collected, the case will remain in the hands of the current judge.
This approach elicits mixed reactions from the public. Some believe the court is being overly cautious, while others see it as the only correct way to avoid mistakes and prevent premature accusations. In any case, public attention to the case remains strong and interest in those involved continues to grow.
Investigation Extended
The decision to extend the investigation by another six months underscores the seriousness of the court’s intentions. Clearly, this case will go beyond formal questioning and superficial document analysis. Investigators are determined to thoroughly examine all circumstances surrounding the allocation of a large sum to Pickman La Cartuja to determine whether any laws were broken and who is responsible.
Those summoned for questioning include not only former officials, but also business representatives and individuals involved in the distribution of funds. Such a broad range of figures highlights the scale of the investigation and indicates that the court does not intend to focus solely on isolated incidents.
Public debate continues over just how transparent the allocation process was and who was really behind the decision. Many believe that pressure from high-ranking officials played a role, yet proving this is no easy task.
Legal nuances
In its ruling, the judge cites legal precedent, stating that when a case involves both individuals with parliamentary immunity and ordinary citizens, the investigation must continue until it is possible to clearly individualize the alleged criminal actions of each party. Only then can the case materials be passed on to the higher judicial authority.
This approach helps avoid premature decisions and allows for a thorough analysis of all circumstances. However, it can also prolong the process, which causes discontent among some members of the public. Nevertheless, in such a high-profile case, haste could lead to mistakes with unpredictable consequences.
For now, the judge continues to gather evidence, while those involved prepare for questioning, and the public follows developments with bated breath. The question of who will be held accountable for any possible violations remains unanswered, and the intrigue surrounding the case only deepens.
