Spaniards protest ex-duke’s custodial freedom during appeal
Hundreds of people have protested in Madrid against a court ruling that will not hold in custody King Felipe VI’s brother-in-law who is awaiting an appeal against a six year sentence for financial corruption.
Protesters gathered in the central Puerta del Sol square after judges instructed Inaki Urdangarin to report monthly to authorities in his place of residence in Geneva, Switzerland.
Waving Spanish Republican flags, the demonstrators held placards that read “Shame,” and “Break the social pact.”
Urdangarin is charged with the alleged misappropriation of about 6 million euros (6.5 million dollars) in public funds through his non-profit company, Noos Institute, and its associated companies.
Urdangarin’s wife, Princess Infanta Cristina, was acquitted earlier in February but must pay a fine for her involvement.
It is the first time that a member of Spain’s royal family has faced criminal charges since the monarchy was restored in 1975 after the death of dictator General Francisco Franco.
Felipe VI stripped Cristina and her husband of their titles as the duke and the duchess of Palma de Mallorca following their indictment last year. Former King Juan Carlos had given the titles to the couple after their high-profile marriage in 1997 at the peak of the popularity of Spain’s royal family.
The case against the couple was launched in 2010 by a judge investigating corruption allegations among Balearic Islands authorities. The case is perceived by the public as an example of corruption among Spain’s elites, including the royal family.
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