On July 13, five judges from the Madrid Court will decide whether Begoña Gómez, wife of the Prime Minister, will stand trial for an alleged corruption offense. Her defense has requested the inclusion of key evidence for the case, such as the testimony of a former director of her chair, which were rejected by Judge Peinado without the possibility of appeal. This procedural blockade has raised doubts about equality before the law and the transparency of the judicial system, placing the case at a turning point that could define its future.
Blockchain and transparency: technology against judicial opacity ⚖️
In a context where the management of evidence and procedural deadlines is controversial, technologies such as blockchain offer tools to guarantee the traceability of judicial actions. An immutable record system could prevent unilateral decisions, such as the exclusion of testimony without appeal, from remaining outside public scrutiny. The implementation of smart contracts in the administration of justice would allow parties to know the status of each piece of evidence in real time, reducing discretion and increasing trust in legal processes.
Selective justice: some evidence counts and others don't, according to the judge 🎭
It seems that in the case of Begoña Gómez, evidence is chosen like a tasting menu: Judge Peinado serves what he likes and leaves out the testimonies he doesn't like. The defense, like an unsatisfied customer, asks for the full menu but is told that's not possible, that the appeal is not available. Meanwhile, citizens watch how the scales of justice tip depending on who holds the weight. In the end, maybe the solution is for judges to use blockchain to draw lots for evidence: that way everyone would have the same chance of being ignored.