CGPJ opens disciplinary case against judge over claim police would aid Begoña Gómez’s escape
Spain's judicial watchdog has opened disciplinary proceedings against Judge Juan Carlos Peinado after he claimed in a ruling that police officers assigned to Begoña Gómez could help her flee the country. The decision, adopted with the tie-breaking vote of CGPJ president Isabel Perelló, came amid a chorus of condemnation from the government and police unions.
The CGPJ vote
On Monday, the Permanent Commission of the General Council of the Judiciary met urgently and voted 4-4 along ideological lines, with the conservative members opposing the measure. President Isabel Perelló cast the deciding vote to refer the judge to the Promoter of Disciplinary Action to examine whether the judge committed a serious fault under Article 418.5 of the Organic Law of the Judiciary, which covers abuse of authority or grave lack of consideration towards persons involved in proceedings. The infraction could carry penalties from a €6,000 fine to suspension or expulsion.
Judge’s controversial ruling
The ruling, issued Saturday, opened an oral trial against Begoña Gómez, wife of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, on charges of influence trafficking, embezzlement, business corruption, and misappropriation. As a precaution, Peinado ordered her passport withdrawn, banned her from leaving Spain, and required biweekly court appearances. In the same document, he wrote:
There is no doubt that, at a given moment, either on their own initiative or following orders from their hierarchical superiors, these agents could collaborate in the action or actions carried out to facilitate that escape, making it impossible for the accused to be available to justice.
Government and police reactions
The sentence provoked immediate backlash. Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska filed a complaint with the CGPJ, calling the assertion a “serious questioning of the professionalism” of security forces. Police unions Jupol and SPU protested what they deemed a “barbarity.” Ministers Óscar López and Félix Bolaños joined the criticism.
Bolaños called the case “absolutely anomalous” and said it should have been archived.I am absolutely convinced that, sooner or later, some court will issue a prevarication decision against Peinado.
Broader political dimension and what’s next
The case has deepened the political divide. Television presenter Nacho Abad accused the judge of having a “colossal ego” and being a hidden ally of Sánchez, while former judge Baltasar Garzón called the measures “unnecessary and inappropriate” and warned of possible slander. Begoña Gómez’s defense will appeal the ruling to the Provincial Court of Madrid. Meanwhile, Peinado has summoned her for Wednesday (the same day Sánchez appears before Congress) to formally notify the measures and demand surrender of her passport, asking if she holds additional diplomatic or foreign passports.
- Judge Peinado opens oral trial against Begoña Gómez, withdraws passport citing risk police could aid escape.
- CGPJ begins urgent telematic discussions on disciplinary measures.
- CGPJ Permanent Commission votes 4-4; president Isabel Perelló breaks tie to refer judge to disciplinary body.
- Judge Peinado summons Gómez to formally notify measures and surrender passport, coinciding with Sánchez’s Congress appearance.
