Former Spanish Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero guaranteed his innocence today after being heard for three hours by a judge in the case where he is indicted for influence peddling and money laundering.
“They accuse me of very serious crimes that I have never committed,” Zapatero said in a statement released after the end of his declaration at Spain’s Audiência Nacional before the judge handling the investigation.
The former prime minister and former leader of the Spanish Socialist Party (PSOE) guaranteed he delivered documents to the judge proving his innocence and said he has always behaved with “decency and honor.” Zapatero said he is “completely innocent” and trusts “fully in justice,” but that it is “painful to know that many people may feel defrauded” because they believe the things that are being said publicly.
“I ask them for trust. I will not disappoint them. It will take more or less time to demonstrate it, but the truth will make its way and I will restore trust to those who now doubt,” he assured.
Read more about this topic: Spain: Zapatero investigated for tax fraud and smuggling over jewels in safe
Judicial sources cited by Spanish media revealed that the Public Prosecutor’s Office asked for the former prime minister’s passport to be withdrawn, that he be prohibited from leaving Spain, and be forced to report biweekly.
It is still unknown what the judge’s decision is or will be regarding the precautionary measures requested by the Public Prosecutor’s Office and by the “popular accusations,” which include political right-wing parties. Lawyers from these associations, also linked to the Spanish far-right, argued in statements to journalists outside the Audiência Nacional that Zapatero should be placed in preventive detention due to a distinct flight risk.
At the end of the statement, Zapatero left the Audiência Nacional of Spain and entered a private car without being detained by the judge who is currently overseeing the high-profile political corruption probe.
José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero was called to testify today and on Thursday before a judge in the case where he is indicted, but the judicial audience was completely concluded today after his testimony.
Read more about this topic: Spain blocks accounts of ex-PM José Luis Zapatero
Zapatero was notified by the judge leading the investigation on May 18, and the case has since been expanded to suspicions of tax fraud and smuggling due to hidden jewelry found in his office.
The Socialist politician is being investigated in a case that was opened to investigate the financial bailout of the Plus Ultra airline back in 2021, according to the Audiência Nacional of Spain.
