Overview
- The Guardia Civil detained Laura García de Viedma (Sor Isabel) and Sor Paloma on Nov. 28 after simultaneous searches at the Belorado and Orduña convents.
- A Briviesca judge granted provisional release without bail to the two women and to an antiques dealer investigated for receptation.
- Investigators say dozens of artworks were moved without authorization and placed under judicial custody, including a 17th-century image of Saint Anthony of Padua.
- Authorities are examining possible aggravated misappropriation involving protected cultural patrimony, while the defense maintains the sales were lawful and involved non-patrimonial items.
- Defense statements say some pieces were openly listed on online marketplaces and that transactions occurred in 2023 when Sor Isabel headed the monastery.