Juan Carlos Peinado retires this Sunday at the age of 72, after having sent Begoña Gómez, wife of President Pedro Sánchez, to trial. His judicial career spans over 30 years and has been marked by high-profile cases.
The judge Juan Carlos Peinado retires this Sunday, closing a judicial career that began in 1994. His farewell comes after the decision to send Begoña Gómez, wife of the Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, to trial, as reported by expansion.com.
Peinado, head of the 41st court of Plaza de Castilla since 2016, has been leading an investigation that has lasted over two years. This inquiry has received both support and criticism, and has been subject to reviews by higher courts.
The law states that judges may choose to retire from the age of 65, notifying the General Council of the Judiciary (CGPJ) six months in advance. Retirement becomes mandatory upon reaching 72 years of age.
Peinado began the investigation into Gómez in April 2024, following a complaint from the organisation Manos Limpias, which alleged that Gómez had abused her status to recommend businesspeople in public tenders. Throughout his career, Peinado has included several figures in his investigation, although some were later exonerated.
The public prosecution has requested 13 years in prison for Gómez and six for her advisor, Cristina Álvarez. The trial does not yet have a set date, but the Madrid Court has already supported the judicial process, although it has reduced the charges in question.
The court that will judge Gómez will consist of one magistrate and nine citizens. Jury selection takes place every two years, and the current list will undergo changes starting December 31 of this year.
You may also like
