In a developing controversy in Spain, four government ministers have made unsubstantiated allegations against Juan Vicente Bonilla, a captain in the Civil Guard’s Central Operational Unit (UCO).

The ministers have accused Bonilla of intending to harm Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, prompting significant backlash from various sectors within the Civil Guard and calls for institutional support.

The accusations emerged five days prior when government spokesperson Pilar Alegría claimed that Bonilla had made threats involving explosive devices against the Prime Minister.

Despite journalists questioning her claims during a subsequent press conference, Alegría reiterated her statements, asserting that Bonilla’s communications were 'very aggressive' and alluding to past incidents that evoke concerns about violence.

Sources close to the Spanish government indicated that there would be no retraction of the ministers’ statements, characterizing the controversial messages as 'open to interpretation.' This stance has led to further scrutiny concerning the credibility of the claims made against Bonilla and the UCO.

Critics have pointed out that the government’s strategy seems aimed at discrediting the UCO, as part of a broader political narrative.

Allegations suggest that this situation may serve two purposes: firstly, to associate political opponents, specifically Isabel Díaz Ayuso, with a purported assassination plot against the Prime Minister, and secondly, to redirect attention away from a scandal involving Leire Díez, a political operative, who was recorded offering incentives to business persons in exchange for information that could undermine the UCO’s reputation.

Ministers supporting the allegations have included Oscar López and Deputy Prime Minister María Jesús Montero, who echoed the narrative of misconduct within the UCO.

López has publicly suggested that Bonilla should face imprisonment for his purported activities, which he described as part of a 'cloaked underworld.'

Meanwhile, both the Ministry of Interior, headed by Fernando Grande-Marlaska, and the Directorate General of the Civil Guard have not issued any statements in defense of the UCO.

This silence has sparked considerable unrest among civil guards, as several professional associations have publicly demanded a clear endorsement of the UCO’s operations.

The Professional Association of Civil Guards (JUCIL) expressed growing dissatisfaction among its members, calling for recognition of the diligent work performed daily by civil guard personnel to ensure public safety.

Similar sentiments were echoed by the Independents of the Civil Guard (IGC), who have requested official clarification and support for the unit.

Criticism regarding the government's lack of communication has also come from the Unified Association of Civil Guards (AUGC) and the Spanish Association of Civil Guards (AEGC).

These groups argue that the current state of affairs leaves civil guards feeling vulnerable and unsupported.

The Association of Non-Commissioned Officers of the Civil Guard (ASES-GC) has called for both Marlaska and Civil Guard Director Mercedes González to publicly condemn the pressures faced by the UCO's investigators, emphasizing the need for independence from political influences in their operations.