Judge José Luis Calama of Spain's Audiencia Nacional has rejected a request by former President José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero to send a rogatory commission to Saudi Arabia to verify the origin of seized jewelry. The judge does not believe Zapatero's claim that the jewelry was a personal gift from the Saudi monarch during a state visit in 2007.
The judge points out that the jewelry was not found in its original boxes or with authenticity certificates, which he deems inconsistent with a state gift. These details, the judge argues, lack objective corroboration.
The case is part of the Plus Ultra investigation at the National Court and is examining whether Zapatero is imputed with a malversation offense. The jewelry is valued at 1.3 million euros.
The case is part of the Plus Ultra investigation at the National Court and is examining whether Zapatero is imputed with a malversation offense.
Zapatero maintains that the jewels were a gift from the Saudi monarchy during the 2007 visit, but the judge's ruling means the case will proceed without the requested international verification.