Judge Tardón opens probe into alleged state-peace crime linked to Ceuta incursion

María Tardón, presiding over the Central Instruction Court No. 3 of the Audiencia Nacional, has taken charge of a criminal probe concerning the Ceuta incursion, focusing on a charge of compromising the peace or independence of the State that could implicate Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez. In her recent order, she listed up to six distinct offences arising from the episode, ranging from the peace-compromise crime to violations of foreign nationals' rights, reckless homicide, bodily injury and organized crime.

Experts explain that the peace-compromise provision, codified in article 590.1 of the Penal Code, prescribes eight to fifteen years of imprisonment for officials, with lower terms for non-officials. Tardón’s decision noted a possible deliberate attempt to threaten Spain’s territorial integrity, recalling Sánchez’s statement that the incident constituted an attack on the nation’s integrity. Should evidence point to the Prime Minister or Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska, the case would be forwarded to the Supreme Court, which would then request parliamentary approval to open criminal proceedings.