Overview

• On August 4, Judge Beatriz Biedma reaffirmed her refusal to withdraw David Sánchez’s passport after he submitted written assurances that he has no plans to move to Japan.
• Sánchez is charged with influence peddling and administrative prevarication over alleged tailor-made public appointments in the Diputación de Badajoz.
• His defense notified the court that he remains a resident of Elvas, Portugal, and the judge ordered him to report any change of domicile within 48 hours.
• A popular accuser had sought his passport withdrawal and a €70,000 bail, claiming Sánchez intended to cease Spanish residency in favor of Japan.
• Preventive measures under Spain’s pretrial law remain in place as the court awaits further evidence before scheduling the abbreviated oral trial.