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Plus Ultra Adviser Julio Martínez Appears in Senate, Refuses to Testify

The move underscores tension between a Senate inquiry versus a live court case.

Overview

  • Julio Martínez attended the Senate’s ‘caso Koldo’ inquiry but said he would not answer questions.
  • He cited medical leave for depression and anxiety and his status as an accused figure in the Plus Ultra investigation to decline testimony.
  • The Popular Party, which holds a Senate majority, rejected his medical note after two failed summons and compelled his appearance.
  • Anti-corruption prosecutors scrutinize his work for Plus Ultra in Venezuela billed through his firm Análisis Relevante, which also paid José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero for consulting.
  • He was detained in December in the Audiencia Nacional’s sealed case, and his stance could test how far parliamentary panels can press witnesses while court proceedings are active.