Magistrate José Luis Calama has denied the requested precautionary measures against former president José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero following his declaration as investigated in the Plus Ultra case.
The National Court judge considered that Zapatero's public notoriety reduces the flight risk and that key elements of the investigation have already been seized. He therefore rejected the fortnightly appearances, passport withdrawal and travel ban requested by the Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office and the PP.
Calama stated that Zapatero's declaration "has not succeeded in dispelling the rational indications of criminality". The evidence cited includes bank transfers linked to public funds from Plus Ultra, the use of commercial companies and jewelry valued at more than 1.3 million euros found in his office.
The ruling also mentions analysis of seized devices, including a phone handed over by US authorities. The magistrate noted that the investigation remains in an embryonic phase and could consolidate or dispel the current indications.
