The jury that will judge Begoña Gómez must still go through a selection process. The opening of an oral trial for the alleged crimes of influence peddling and embezzlement has sparked interest in knowing who can be part of the court and how the citizens in charge of issuing the verdict will be chosen.
The list released with 2,846 candidates corresponds to the period 2025-2026. Its preparation predates the decision to send Pedro Sánchez’s wife to trial. It was not made for this procedurebut to have candidates to participate in jury trials during that biennium.
Being on the list does not mean being selected
The draw from which this list comes was held on September 17, 2024. Being included in it opens up the possibility of receiving a call, but does not allow us to affirm that these people are going to judge Gómez.
The date of the trial also matters. If it takes place in 2027, the reference will be the list corresponding to the period 2027-2028. Therefore, now identifying members of the previous relationship as future members of the tribunal would anticipate a selection that has not yet been completed.
What requirements must candidates meet?
The Organic Law of the Jury Court requires have Spanish nationality and be of legal agebe in full exercise of political rights, know how to read and write and be a resident of a municipality in the province where the crime was committed.
Sufficient aptitude is also required to perform the role. Disability cannot be a reason for exclusion on its own and the necessary supports must be provided.
How the nine jurors are chosen
For each cause, 36 candidates are drawn and receive a questionnaire to check requirements and possible impediments. On the day of the trial, at least twenty must attend to begin the selection.
The parties may raise challenges. Furthermore, the accusations and defenses have, each group, up to four challenges without stating a reason. Finally, they are selected nine starters and two substitutes.
Who decides the verdict and sentence
Juries determine which facts they consider proven and rule on guilt or inculpability. Seven votes are needed to establish guilt and five to establish guilt.
The presiding magistrate of the court issues the sentence in accordance with the verdict and imposes, if appropriate, the corresponding penalty.
The surnames that appear in the relationship
The table includes surnames such as Algailani, Al Athamna, Allouch, Azmy or Bassat, in addition to Fernández and Orellana. Some records combine, for example, Al Athamna with Fernández and Bassat with Orellana. These combinations identify the candidates, but They do not allow you to know your place of birth, nationality or family origin.
The relationship also does not allow us to calculate how many candidates have a migratory trajectory. To serve as a jury, Spanish nationality is required, in addition to meeting the other legal requirements. Being on the general list is not equivalent to having been chosen to judge Begoña Gómezsince the selection for each procedure requires new draws and verification of possible incompatibilities.