Stories from Spain

The Basque government has granted third-degree prison status to Juan Carlos Iglesias Chousas, also known as Gadhafi. This decision follows a previous 2025 ruling that was subsequently annulled by a penitentiary surveillance judge. Iglesias Chousas is serving a long sentence for multiple murders, including the 1991 killing of Fabio Moreno. The announcement comes amid discussions regarding potential party actions against irregularities. Iglesias is currently serving a sentence of 1,120 years in prison for 15 murders. He was also involved in a failed attempt to assassinate King Juan Carlos. Terrorism victim associations have denounced the policy of granting such concessions.

Victor de Aldamán has made statements regarding the Supreme Court's investigation into the 'Mascarillas' case. Aldama explained that illegal funds were justified through 'smurfing,' where donations were fractioned to appear legal. The PSOE received 158,000 euros in the first year of Pedro Sánchez's leadership. Donations rose to 275,000 euros the following year and reached 837,506 euros in 2020 during the pandemic. The source also noted claims that donations increased to fund COVID-19 vaccine research. Aldama alleges that the PSOE received illegal funding via cash payments used for representation expenses. The PSOE has immediately denied these claims, maintaining a position previously held by its former manager. Allegations of irregular financing have been raised involving the PSOE, specifically regarding the handling of 500 euro notes at Ferraz.

A former advisor to Ábalos claims the PSOE provided various denominations of cash for expenses, including 500 euro notes. The source noted the aide did not hold a formal position within the Socialist Party. The investigation involves payments allegedly recognized by Coldo. This testimony contradicts a former party manager who, as a witness, claimed such large denominations were not handled. A witness in a corruption case has claimed that the Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE) provided him with cash payments. In a prepared statement with his lawyer, the witness stated he frequently received 500 euro bills due to his position. The individual stated that he often received 500 euro notes, referred to as 'chistorras', once or twice a month. The witness claimed he was attempting to be helpful to his boss.

The Supreme Court has made a third prison sentence against Pepe Nieto final. The primary accusation involves using contacts to access confidential documents to solicit money in exchange for favors.

Vice President and Minister Carlos Cuerpo stated that Spain's economic growth slowed in the first quarter of the year. The economy advanced by 0.6 percent during this period, which Cuerpo noted was less than previously anticipated. The announcement comes as the first government council meeting of the current legislature is scheduled. This meeting may include the approval of a project to expand Amazon Web Services by installing new data centers in Aragon. The social economy now accounts for more than 11% of the total wealth in Spain.

The trial regarding the Kitchen case continued in the Audiencia Nacional in Madrid. The case involves an alleged police plot to spy on and steal documentation concerning the illegal financing of the Partido Popular. The proceedings are investigating attempts to steal information from the former office of Cerrozero. The trial involving Aldama has been ongoing for approximately one month. The proceedings include an ex-minister of the interior from Mariano Rajoy's administration. The source noted that the President of the Government and the Secretary General of the PSOE have not commented on the trial. A trial commenced today in the Provincial Court of Madrid against a man accused of murdering his wife in November 2023. The crime allegedly occurred at the couple's family home in the presence of their two minor children.

She stated that Aldama's strategy is not an exercise in transparency but an attempt to reduce his prison sentence. Aldama was previously imprisoned in a hydrocarbon case involving prison time.

Romon Lopis, chairman of the local organization 'Frontera', is calling for the relocation of Roma residents from substandard settlements to urban apartments. Lopis stated that at least 257 people live in such settlements, including the largest one named 'Cañada Real'.

Four out of 14 selected centers have already announced intentions to withdraw from the program. One center in a suburb of Barcelona claimed it never volunteered for the measure.

Atlético de Madrid remains optimistic that three players will be available for next Tuesday's match. One player, Juliano, is reportedly dealing with a low-grade ankle sprain without ligament damage.