⚖️🛑 Supreme Court proceedings in Ábalos mask procurement case

Oneliner

Former Transport Minister José Luis Ábalos has requested to appear via videoconference for his Supreme Court trial set for April 2026, citing health concerns due to prison transport conditions. He faces serious charges, including bribery and embezzlement, with a potential 24-year prison sentence. The Supreme Court has ruled that the Popular Party will lead the accusations against him, rejecting requests from other parties to separate their claims. The trial is expected to draw significant public attention due to the serious nature of the allegations.

Key points

• Ábalos requests to appear via videoconference due to prison transport conditions.
• The Supreme Court confirms the Popular Party will lead accusations against Ábalos.
• Trial set for April 2026, with serious charges including bribery and embezzlement.
• Koldo García, Ábalos's adviser, also faces significant charges.

Links

• ABC: Ábalos pide comparecer ante el Supremo desde la cárcel por el «deterioro anímico y físico» de los traslados en furgón
• El País: El Supremo mantiene a las acusaciones populares bajo la dirección del PP para el juicio a Ábalos por el caso de las mascarillas

Facts

• Ábalos faces charges including bribery and embezzlement related to mask procurement during the pandemic.
• The trial is scheduled for April 2026.
• The Supreme Court has ruled that the Popular Party will lead the accusations against Ábalos.
• Koldo García, Ábalos's adviser, also faces significant charges.

Quotes

• The harshness of transfers from penitentiary centres is an issue noted by both inmates and human rights bodies — Marino Turiel

Article