The Audiencia Provincial de Madrid on 16 October 2026 overturned the order to dismiss proceedings concerning the complaint by Begoña Gómez against Vito Quiles and ordered the investigation to be reopened. The Sección Cuarta directs the lower court to continue examining the facts as possible coercion (coacciones).
The case stems from an incident on 29 April 2026 in Las Rozas (Madrid). According to Begoña Gómez, Vito Quiles approached her at the door of a restaurant, questioned her aggressively, filmed her and blocked her way. The wife of the Spanish prime minister then filed a complaint. The Juzgado de Instrucción número 2 de Majadahonda had dismissed the case on 12 May 2026 on the grounds that the video footage available showed no criminal act.
The Audiencia Provincial de Madrid considers this assessment premature. In its ruling, the Sección Cuarta says that before the case can be closed, it must be established whether the complainant’s freedom to leave the premises was restricted. This requires further investigation, including a thorough assessment of witness statements and other evidence beyond what is visible in the footage known to date.
The decision now made follows appeals by Begoña Gómez and the Fiscalía Provincial de Madrid The case being reopened allows for further procedural steps, including additional interviews, analysis of further video or audio recordings and, where appropriate, summonses for those involved. This does not prejudge the criminal assessment of Vito Quiles’s conduct; the ruling seeks to complete the factual record, not to reach the equivalent of a guilty verdict.
The case has a political dimension because it concerns the wife of the serving head of government and is being closely followed by national media. The legal question remains clear: whether, on 29 April 2026, there was an infringement of freedom of movement that would constitute coercion under Spanish criminal law. All parties are presumed innocent until the investigating court in Majadahonda issues a new decision.
No trial dates or further judicial measures have yet been announced. The next steps are now for the investigating court, which must carry out the enquiries ordered by the Audiencia.
Editor: Mira Cadena (Article created with AI assistance).