Madrid Court Archives Complaint Against Judge Investigating Begoña Gómez

The High Court of Justice of Madrid (TSJM) has archived a complaint against Judge Juan Carlos Peinado regarding comments he made about the bodyguards of Begoña Gómez, the wife of Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez. The complaint was filed by the Unified Police Union (SUP) after Peinado suggested in a judicial resolution that the police officers serving as Gómez's escort could potentially help her flee the justice system. The TSJM concluded that the judge's statements did not constitute a disciplinary offense of disattention or lack of consideration as defined by the Organic Law of the Judiciary.

The controversy began on June 20 when Peinado ordered the withdrawal of Gómez's passport and prohibited her from leaving the country. In his resolution, the judge stated that the agents could collaborate in facilitating a flight, either on their own initiative or following orders from superiors. The police union argued that these claims cast doubt on the institutional loyalty and professionalism of public servants without being based on specific facts.

Judge Peinado is currently overseeing a case against Gómez and her advisor, Cristina Álvarez, involving allegations of influence peddling, corruption in business, misappropriation of funds, and embezzlement. The investigation was initiated in April 2024 following a complaint by the group Manos Limpias. While the center left framing emphasizes the internal turmoil the comments caused within the police force, the center right framing focuses on the legal context of the flight risk and the specific charges facing the Prime Minister's wife.