Spain PM's Wife Faces Passport Seizure as Lawyer Calls Case 'Ghost Procedure'

The lawyer for Begoña Gómez, wife of Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, told a judge on Monday that the legal case against her is a "ghost procedure" designed to "erode" the government. Antonio Camacho made the statement during a preliminary hearing at a Madrid court. Judge Juan Carlos Peinado must now decide whether to impose precautionary measures on Gómez and two other suspects. Far-right groups acting as private prosecutors have asked the judge to seize Gómez's passport, require her to report to court every two weeks, and ban her from using a trademark for financial gain. The prosecution and the defense have opposed all measures. Gómez faces a potential 24-year prison sentence requested by the private prosecution. Camacho accused the judge of politicizing the case. He said the investigation was based on the "truly absurd" idea that, because Gómez is the prime minister's wife, her actions influence "everyone." "Politics is being done, but in the wrong place," Camacho said. "Whoever wants to do politics should go to the street, not a court." The lawyer also clashed with Judge Peinado during the hearing. The judge interrupted Camacho and demanded he look at him while speaking. Camacho replied that no procedural rule required him to direct his gaze at the judge. "If there is no procedural rule, I address the accusations, your honor," Camacho said. This was Gómez's fifth appearance before the judge. She had previously been represented by her lawyer, a right allowed under Spanish law. The judge also rejected requests from the defense to call key witnesses. The defense for one suspect asked for more than 20 witnesses, but the judge said their testimony was not "essential" to decide whether to open a trial. Judge Peinado is expected to rule within three days on whether to open a trial and impose precautionary measures. The judge is set to retire in September.