Story perspectives

Judge Orders Jury Trial, Travel Ban for PM’s Wife

6/21/2026

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Judge Bars Travel

Judge Juan Carlos Peinado formally mandated a jury trial for Begona Gomez, the prime minister’s wife.
Begona Gomez must officially surrender her passport and is barred from leaving Spain while the trial proceeds.
Court appearances are required twice a month until a verdict is reached.
Authorities will issue instructions to all border posts and airports to enforce the travel restriction.

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Gómez Travel Ban

A probe into a university chair co-directed by Begoña Gómez alleges misuse of public resources for private gain.
Judge Juan Carlos Peinado ordered Begoña Gómez to surrender her passport and barred her from leaving Spain.
Pedro Sánchez called the accusations a right-wing plot, while opposition parties demanded his resignation.
The inquiry stems from a far-right-linked anti-corruption group’s complaint, adding pressure to Sánchez’s minority coalition.

History

Historical Context

In May 2018 the Spanish Supreme Court ruled on the Gürtel scandal, confirming a PP slush-fund dating to 1989, fining the party €245,492 and sentencing former treasurer Luis Bárcenas to 33 years. The decision spurred a no-confidence vote on 1 June, forcing Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy to resign and bringing Pedro Sánchez’s coalition to power.

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Judge Bars Travel

Judge Juan Carlos Peinado formally mandated a jury trial for Begona Gomez, the prime minister’s wife.
Begona Gomez must officially surrender her passport and is barred from leaving Spain while the trial proceeds.
Court appearances are required twice a month until a verdict is reached.
Authorities will issue instructions to all border posts and airports to enforce the travel restriction.

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