Delay Requested in Key Witness Statements in Influence Peddling Investigation
The brother of Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, David Sánchez, seeks postponement of testimonies from conservatory directors linked to his appointment.
David Sánchez, brother of Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, has requested a postponement of key witness statements in an ongoing investigation into alleged influence peddling.
The investigating magistrate, Beatriz Biedma, scheduled the testimonies for April 4, which include both Yolanda Sánchez Baltasar and Evaristo Valentí, the directors of the conservatories that David Sánchez was meant to coordinate.
The request comes in light of an unforeseen legal commitment, as David Sánchez is due to attend a different trial on the same date.
The legal representation for David Sánchez has formally submitted the request to Judge Biedma, arguing that the scheduling conflicts impede the defense’s ability to adequately prepare.
The defense has provided alternative dates for the hearings, proposing six available dates in April and five in May.
Additionally, a request has been made by the popular prosecution represented by the organization Manos Limpias, aiming to push back the questioning of David Sánchez and former Moncloa advisor Luis Carrero, which is set for April 25. The clash stems from the attorney's schedule coinciding with another trial.
In the legal documents submitted, David Sánchez's lawyer highlighted that he has been previously summoned by the Criminal Court of Plasencia for trial, requesting that the statements scheduled in this investigation be postponed without infringing on his right to a defense.
The postponement requests reflect a broader context where both David Sánchez and Luis Carrero, his close associate in the Office of Scenic Arts, are under scrutiny.
Carrero's role has been scrutinized as it is alleged that his hiring indicates that David Sánchez's high-level appointment was customized to suit personal preferences.
Carrero had been assisting David Sánchez in various projects related to opera before becoming officially involved in the government position in January 2023.
Also scheduled to testify on April 4 are Manuel Candalija, director of the Culture area of the Diputación de Badajoz, and Ricardo Cabezas, a deputy responsible for the culture section within the institution.
The investigation revolves around communications exchanged prior to David Sánchez’s appointment to high office in July 2017, raising questions regarding the legitimacy and processes surrounding the appointment.
The investigating magistrate, Beatriz Biedma, scheduled the testimonies for April 4, which include both Yolanda Sánchez Baltasar and Evaristo Valentí, the directors of the conservatories that David Sánchez was meant to coordinate.
The request comes in light of an unforeseen legal commitment, as David Sánchez is due to attend a different trial on the same date.
The legal representation for David Sánchez has formally submitted the request to Judge Biedma, arguing that the scheduling conflicts impede the defense’s ability to adequately prepare.
The defense has provided alternative dates for the hearings, proposing six available dates in April and five in May.
Additionally, a request has been made by the popular prosecution represented by the organization Manos Limpias, aiming to push back the questioning of David Sánchez and former Moncloa advisor Luis Carrero, which is set for April 25. The clash stems from the attorney's schedule coinciding with another trial.
In the legal documents submitted, David Sánchez's lawyer highlighted that he has been previously summoned by the Criminal Court of Plasencia for trial, requesting that the statements scheduled in this investigation be postponed without infringing on his right to a defense.
The postponement requests reflect a broader context where both David Sánchez and Luis Carrero, his close associate in the Office of Scenic Arts, are under scrutiny.
Carrero's role has been scrutinized as it is alleged that his hiring indicates that David Sánchez's high-level appointment was customized to suit personal preferences.
Carrero had been assisting David Sánchez in various projects related to opera before becoming officially involved in the government position in January 2023.
Also scheduled to testify on April 4 are Manuel Candalija, director of the Culture area of the Diputación de Badajoz, and Ricardo Cabezas, a deputy responsible for the culture section within the institution.
The investigation revolves around communications exchanged prior to David Sánchez’s appointment to high office in July 2017, raising questions regarding the legitimacy and processes surrounding the appointment.
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