Justice Minister files fresh complaint accusing judge of possible secret leak

Justice Minister Bolaños has presented a new complaint to the General Council of the Judiciary (CGPJ) accusing Judge Juan Carlos Peinado of potentially leaking confidential details from the Begoña Gómez investigation. This move adds to a series of six legal filings the minister has filed against the retired judge, who left the bench this week. The latest appeal references a tense interrogation by Peinado at Moncloa concerning the hiring of Begoña Gómez's advisor, Cristina Álvarez.

The CGPJ previously rejected the minister's request for access to the case file, a decision the minister says hampers his right to a proper defense. He contends that Peinado may have been aware of earlier complaints against him, possibly prompting the alleged disclosure. The minister also criticises the slow handling of his petitions, suggesting the judge's retirement has created a de facto shield from accountability. He urges the CGPJ to determine whether sufficient investigative steps were taken to clarify any wrongdoing.