Overview
- The National Court opened proceedings against Javier López Madrid, José Manuel Villarejo and Rafael Redondo over an alleged 2013 arrangement to use the then‑commissioner to pressure dermatologist Elisa Pinto, with only the private accusation seeking convictions.
- López Madrid testified that he contacted Villarejo during what he called an avalanche of calls affecting him and his family, denied commissioning any actions or paying money, and acknowledged a 2013 visit to Pinto with Redondo where he used a threat he described as a bluff.
- Prosecutors say agenda notes referencing an "entrega 10 a cuenta" and a recording about intent to request money do not prove any payment, and they ask for acquittal while the private accusation seeks six years for López Madrid and Villarejo and four for Redondo.
- The court will allow live streaming of the trial but ordered that Pinto’s face not be shown during her testimony, and senior current and former police officials linked in past cases to the so‑called cloaca will be called as witnesses, including ex‑DAO Eugenio Pino.
- A separate February trial in Madrid will address alleged injuries, coercion and threats against Pinto, where the prosecution requests 13 years and two months in prison for López Madrid.