Overview
- Judge Leopoldo Puente denied authorization for Ábalos to testify before the Senate’s Koldo commission on January 8, citing the late request and the need to hear parties, and invited a new petition with sufficient notice.
- Puente also rejected Ábalos’s bid for a popular jury, ruling the case follows procedures for offenses tied to the Audiencia Nacional even if the Supreme Court handles it due to aforamiento.
- Chabaneix Abogados notified the court it is renouncing Ábalos’s defense over fee disputes and asked to pause deadlines to prevent prejudice until new counsel takes over.
- The Supreme Court will hold a January 15 hearing to review Ábalos’s appeal against preventive detention, with the defense arguing lack of incriminating indicia, no flight risk, and violations of political representation rights.
- Ábalos has asked the Congress Bureau to restore his deputy privileges until the hearing after his December 10 suspension under Article 21.2, which stripped his vote, pay, and social protection coverage.