Police at Spain's ruling Socialists HQ as part of probe into ex party official
Investigation Details and Political Reactions
By Emma Pinedo and David Latona
Police Activity at PSOE Headquarters
MADRID, May 27 (Reuters) - Police were seeking documents at the headquarters of Spain's ruling Socialist Party (PSOE) on Wednesday as part of an investigation into an alleged plot to destabilise judicial proceedings against the party or the government, the High Court said.
Alleged Offences Under Investigation
The alleged offences include belonging to a criminal organisation, bribery, disclosure of secrets, inducement to give false testimony, false accusation, falsification of commercial documents, misconduct in public office, influence peddling and offences against state institutions.
Government and Judicial Responses
Prime Minister's Statement
At a news conference in Rome after meeting Pope Leo, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez stressed that Wednesday's request for documents did not constitute a police search, adding that the party was fully cooperating with the courts and had absolute respect for the judiciary.
Judicial Procedures and Scope
Investigating judge Santiago Pedraz ordered the request of various documents and electronic files from the party's headquarters, the court said.
Difference Between Judicial Request and Police Search
A judicial request for information requires prior notice and targets specific items, as distinct from an "entry and search" carried out without prior notice to gather all kinds of evidence.
Individuals Implicated and Broader Context
Focus on Santos Cerdan and Other Officials
Pedraz's investigation centres on former PSOE organisation secretary Santos Cerdan, along with other party officials, lawyers, a businessman and a police officer. It is the first time Cerdan has been named in this case. He has denied wrongdoing in another investigation.
Corruption Scandals Affecting the Party
The party led by Sanchez has been dogged by a slew of corruption scandals, including various investigations into Sanchez's key allies and family members.
Sanchez's Commitment to Addressing Irregularities
Sanchez said if new irregular behaviour emerged, his party would deal with it with the same firmness as before.
Recent Developments Involving Former Premier
Investigation into Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero
Last week, the High Court said it was investigating Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero - a former Socialist premier and close Sanchez ally - on suspicion of leading an influence-peddling and money-laundering network, dealing another blow to the leftist coalition government.
Denials and Political Support
Zapatero denied any wrongdoing, and Sanchez on Wednesday reiterated his support for his predecessor.
(Reporting by Emma Pinedo and David Latona; Editing by Andrei Khalip, Andrew Cawthorne and Alison Williams)
