José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero's lawyer has asked a Spanish judge to request comprehensive information from the US regarding the seizure and analysis of a mobile phone that allegedly incriminates the former Spanish Prime Minister in the Plus Ultra case.
The lawyer for former Spanish PM José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero is seeking to invalidate key evidence in the Plus Ultra case, questioning how US authorities obtained WhatsApp messages from airline shareholder Rodolfo Reyes. The defense wants to know the circumstances of the phone's seizure and data extraction by Homeland Security Investigations, citing potential due process violations.
José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero's defense is asking a Spanish judge to request clarification from the US regarding the seizure and analysis of a phone belonging to Plus Ultra airline executive Rodolfo Reyes. The defense argues that the information provided is insufficient and raises doubts about the legality and integrity of the evidence, which implicates Zapatero in alleged influence peddling related to the airline's bailout.
Podemos' Pablo Fernández criticizes the implication of former president Zapatero in a corruption case, stating the left must remain clean. Meanwhile, Sumar's Lara Hernández dismisses early elections, urging the government to focus on its remaining year.
Police reports in the Plus Ultra case highlight Excel files sent by former Spanish PM Zapatero to Julio Martínez, listing recipients of company advisory reports. These lists, including prominent figures like Florentino Pérez and Ángel Vilá, suggest Zapatero's "directorial position" and involvement in channeling funds.
PSOE spokesperson Patxi López defended former Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero following his imputation in the Plus Ultra case, demanding proof and upholding the presumption of innocence.
PSOE spokesperson Patxi López defended former Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero following his imputation in the Plus Ultra case, urging for evidence and the presumption of innocence. López stated Zapatero appears minimally in conversations and has had few meetings over five years.
Spanish police report suggests former PM Zapatero lobbied for Plus Ultra's €53M pandemic rescue, with executives discussing his "pro-Sánchez and pro-Maduro" stance and "the end justifies the means."
Spanish Judicial Police's Udef unit alleges ex-PM Zapatero and associate Julio Martínez Martínez engaged in high-level international business dealings, particularly with China and Venezuela, in the Plus Ultra case. A letter from China International Cultural Technology Resources Group Co., Ltd. (CICTR) to Zapatero's office indicates readiness to acquire oil and gas, suggesting deep ties to the Chinese Communist Party.
Investigated parties in the Plus Ultra case discussed using influence to halt the judicial process investigating the airline's bailout. Intercepted conversations reveal attempts to leverage connections with figures like Julio Martínez Martínez, a friend of former Prime Minister Zapatero, and the chief prosecutor.
PP leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo harshly criticized Pedro Sánchez's government for its "moral rottenness" and support for former president Zapatero amid the Plus Ultra corruption scandal. Feijóo accused the government of being driven by court cases and worse than the mafia.
