Madrid, Nov 24, (dpa/GNA) – A corruption trial of former Catalan president Jordi Pujol, his seven sons and daughters, and 11 other individuals began before the Spanish Supreme Court in Madrid on Monday.
The defendants are accused of charges that include money laundering, forming a criminal organization and tax evasion.
Pujol, who is 95 years old, was part of the resistance against the dictatorship of Francisco Franco (1939-75), and played an important role in the country’s transition to democracy.
He governed the wealthy region of Catalonia between 1980 and 2003. He was called the “viceroy of Spain” because of his influence and close ties to the royal family and the then monarch Juan Carlos I.
The public prosecutor is seeking a nine-year prison sentence and a fine of €204,000 ($235,000) for him. For his eldest son, entrepreneur Jordi Pujol Ferrusola, 67, a 29-year prison term is being sought.
The case concerns the concealment of millions in assets abroad. Pujol is alleged to have received the money in exchange for political favours.
Police estimate the family’s income from decades of corrupt practices at €290 million. The public prosecutor’s office is demanding that the family repay the illicitly obtained funds.
Pujol admitted years ago that he had accounts abroad, but he rejects the allegations of corruption and illegal enrichment.
Despite a medical report declaring him unfit to stand trial after suffering from pneumonia, the judges ruled on Monday that Pujol must testify during the proceedings.
The state television broadcaster described the trial as “historic,” while other media outlets are calling it the “biggest corruption trial in Spanish history.”
The main hearing is scheduled to last around six months. A total of 254 witnesses are to be questioned.
GNA