Prosecutors soften charge of undermining Spain's peace over Ceuta invasion, citing government protection

The Fiscalía de la Audiencia Nacional submitted an opinion to judge María Tardón that listed several alleged offenses stemming from the July 2026 invasion of Ceuta, including facilitation of irregular immigration, homicide, and serious injuries. However, it highlighted the crime of compromising the peace or independence of the State, which carries up to fifteen years in prison and directly implicates the national government.

According to sources, chief prosecutor Jesús Alonso took over the case from José Perals shortly before the report was issued, allegedly following instructions from fiscal general Teresa Peramato to protect Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez from criminal liability. Judge Tardón noted the intent to attack the State's territorial integrity, echoing Sánchez's description of the incident as an "attack" on Spain. She also ordered witnesses such as Gonzalo Sanz and Juan Jesús Vivas to appear and created a secret technological investigation unit to collect data from major digital platforms. The move has sparked internal controversy within the prosecutor's office over alleged political interference.