Madrid court reopens probe into Vito Quiles for alleged intimidation of Begoña Gómez

The Audiencia Provincial de Madrid ruled that ultra-right activist Vito Quiles must face renewed scrutiny for alleged coercion of Begoña Gómez, the spouse of the government’s president, reversing a prior premature dismissal. The court concluded that Quiles’ presence at the bar where Gómez was dining was likely intentional rather than coincidental, potentially limiting her freedom of action. Earlier, a lower court in Majadahonda had closed the case, saying the video evidence did not show a criminal act.

Gómez, who also faces a charge of filing a false complaint against Quiles, is scheduled to appear before the court next week. Her false-complaint accusation has moved forward faster than her own appeal. The Tribunal Superior de Justicia of Madrid criticized the earlier filing as “premature” and highlighted the need to assess whether Quiles’ behavior forced Gómez into unwanted actions.