The Provincial Court of Valencia has issued a binding order to send the case of Mónica Oltra to the main trial stage. This decision marks a radical turn in the proceedings, as it was made contrary to earlier rulings by the investigating judge and the position of the prosecution, which found no signs of a criminal offense. Oltra will answer for the management of a case concerning sexual abuse of a minor ward at a center under the regional government's authority, which previously led to her resignation.

Order to Open Trial

A higher court in Valencia ordered Mónica Oltra to be indicted despite the earlier dismissal of the case by the investigating judge.

Opposition from Prosecutor and Judge

The decision was made contrary to the prosecutor's opinion, who saw no grounds to prosecute the former vice president for dereliction of duty.

Charges of Covering Up Abuse

The case concerns the conduct of officials subordinate to Oltra in relation to the sexual crimes committed by her former husband against a minor.

Political Consequences

The trial of one of Spain's most recognizable left-wing leaders will have a significant impact on the regional political balance of power.

The Provincial Court of Valencia (Audiencia Provincial) overturned the investigating judge's decision and ordered the opening of judicial proceedings against Mónica Oltra. The former vice president of the Valencian autonomous government and leader of the left-wing party Compromís is accused of dereliction of duty. The case involves the alleged cover-up of sexual abuses committed against a minor ward of a care center by the politician's former husband. The higher court ruled that there are sufficient grounds for a trial panel to decide the case, concluding the years-long investigation phase. This decision is particularly surprising because the investigating judge handling the case twice requested its dismissal, arguing there was no evidence of Oltra's intentional action to the detriment of the victim. The prosecution held a similar position and did not demand charges. However, complaints filed by private prosecutors prompted the Audiencia judges to rule that a substantive assessment of the evidence should occur during a public trial, not in the preparatory phase. Oltra, who withdrew from political life in 2022 due to the scandal, consistently claims she is a victim of a smear campaign by right-wing circles. The scandal erupted after a sentence convicting Oltra's former husband to five years in prison for the sexual abuse of a 14-year-old girl in 2017. The investigation into the vice president herself concerned suspicions that her department deliberately delayed procedures and discredited the victim's testimony to protect the politician's image. The trial will be held before a jury court, which is the standard procedure in Spain for accusations of abuse of power by public officials. This event has colossal significance for the Spanish political scene, as Oltra was seen as a symbol of the new, ethical left. Reopening the case just before upcoming electoral cycles could affect the ratings of parties within the current governing coalitions at both the central and regional levels. Experts indicate this trial will be a test for the independence of the Spanish judiciary in cases of high media weight.

Mentioned People

  • Mónica Oltra — Former Vice President of the Valencian Community and leader of the Compromís party.