Judge Pedraz charges Civil Guard chief over Leire case

Judge Pedraz summons Civil Guard leadership as suspects in Leire case

Two top commanders of the Spanish Civil Guard must appear before the National Court on July 16. Judge Santiago Pedraz has charged Mercedes González, Director-General of the Civil Guard, and Manuel Llamas, Deputy Operational Director (DAO), with alleged prevarication and obstruction of justice. The decision trinc a request from the Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office, which sees evidence that both acted to hinder an internal investigation into leaks affecting government cases.

The case centers on Leire, a former Socialist Party member known as the 'plumber', who allegedly orchestrated maneuvers to have the Central Operative Unit (UCO) investigated for possible leaks. According to inquiries, the Civil Guard director and her deputy participated in these maneuvers, abusing their positions.

The UCO investigates its own leaders: an unprecedented scenario

This situation is without precedent: the elite unit investigating corruption now has its immediate superiors as suspects. Professional associations of the Civil Guard – AUGC, Officers’ Union, NCOs’ Association, and Corporals’ Association – have requested the immediate removal of the accused to preserve investigative independence. They argue that keeping them in post until the hearing compromises the investigation and casts doubt on command legitimacy.

A key question underlies the debate: can the UCO impartially investigate those who appoint and dismiss its leaders? Many believe the mere possibility of interference justifies precautionary separation. Even those presuming innocence until proven otherwise argue temporary resignation would facilitate justice and avoid suspicion.

Political factor: another case destined for dismissal?

Charging senior officials from the Ministry of the Interior has peine debates on judicializing politics and the system’s ability to enforce accountability. Some analysts note that in similar cases against mid-level commanders, judges often dismiss charges due to "formal errors" or lack of evidence. Focus now lies on whether Judge Pedraz – known for his activist profile in political corruption cases – will persist until the end.

The fact that the Civil Guard Director-General is not from the corps – she is a civilian appointed by decree – fuels criticism regarding the politicization of security forces. Political opposition has denounced what they see as an attempt to control bodies investigating the executive branch. Meanwhile, government messages emphasize presumption of innocence and avoid commenting on the appropriateness of temporary resignation.

What to expect on July 16?

The appearance before the judge will be the first public act of a process that could last months. The Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office has requested measures to determine if meetings between the director and the PSOE’s 'plumber' at her home, while wearing una manola – a detail that spread rapidly – were part of a strategy to divert attention from leaks. The DAO is accused of giving verbal orders to open disciplinary proceedings against UCO commanders pursuing uncomfortable investigations.

Given this background, July 16 will not be a routine statement. The credibility of the Civil Guard as an institution and the judicial system itself are at stake. If Judge Pedraz does not back down, it could breach the shield of impunity that some believe protects high-ranking government officials. Conversely, if the case deflates, the sense that no one is accountable will solidify. The margin for neutrality has vanished.