Two men walking and talking, one with a dark coat and the other with a light coat and scarf, in an urban setting. — The judge of the National Court, Santiago Pedraz, has rejected the PSOE's request to order provisional imprisonment for Aldama. | Europa Press

Camara — The judge of the National Court, Santiago Pedraz, has rejected the PSOE's request to order provisional imprisonment for Aldama. | Europa Press

Judge Pedraz challenges the PSOE and refuses to send Víctor de Aldama to prison

In an order, the magistrate has argued that there are no new data or relevant facts that justify the review of the precautionary measure already adopted.

29/01/2025 14:21:00h

Rafael Alejandro Escalona

The judge of the National Court, Santiago Pedraz, has rejected the PSOE's request to order the provisional detention without bail of the businessman from Aldama. He is being investigated for alleged fraud in the payment of hydrocarbon taxes.

In a ruling, the magistrate argued that there are no new data or relevant facts that justify the revision of the precautionary measure already adopted. The PSOE claimed that the reasons that led to Aldama's release in November had been "discredited," putting the investigation at risk. However, the judge maintained that, to modify a release measure, it is essential to present new elements that support such a decision.

The judge defends procedural stability

Pedraz recalled that procedural stability prevents the abuse of judicial resources without sufficient legal basis to change previous decisions.

He explained that provisional detention should only be applied to prevent the risk of flight, criminal recidivism, or destruction of evidence. In this regard, the magistrate pointed out that the PSOE's request doesn't provide indications that Aldama has committed new irregularities since his release.

A man with a beard and dark hair wears a black coat and a white jersey while gesturing with his hand in an urban setting.

Víctor de Aldama was arrested in February 2024 | Europa Press

The judge also dismissed the argument that Aldama's public statements affect the ongoing judicial case in the National Court. "Neither do the interviews or appearances made by the investigated nor what happened in the Supreme Court or the Senate constitute a new fact."

Additionally, he ruled out that Aldama's critical statements against the PSOE are sufficient grounds to revoke his provisional release.

Aldama and his involvement in the hydrocarbon fraud

Víctor de Aldama was arrested in February 2024 for his connection to a corruption network in the Ministry of Transport. Despite his arrest, he continued with illicit activities, according to the Civil Guard, which discovered his involvement in a VAT fraud in hydrocarbons.

A man with a beard and glasses speaking into a microphone.

The judge has also dismissed the argument that Aldama's public statements affect the judicial case | Europa Press

In October 2024, he was arrested again, although after cooperating with the justice system, he was released on provisional terms in November. With this decision, Víctor de Aldama will remain free while the National Court advances in the investigation into the hydrocarbon fraud.

The judge reiterated that any review of the businessman's procedural situation must be based on new evidence that justifies a more restrictive measure. Thus, the investigation will continue its course without, for the moment, adopting new measures against Aldama, despite the political pressures from the PSOE.

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