PALMA
THE former Majorca Unionist Party MP, Bartomeu Vicens, who was sentenced to over four years in jail after being found guilty of misappropriating public funds last week, was yesterday given 24 hours to pay 100'000 euros bail or face being held on remand in prison.
Vicens, a former Council of Majorca planning inspector during the previous legislature, was also placed under police surveillance for the duration of the 24 hours he was given to raise the funds.
The ex-Balearic Member of Parliament's lawyer said yesterday afternoon that his client will meet bail if he can but intends to appeal against the Balearic High Court ruling to hold him on remand. The prosecution, which was demanding that Vicens have his passport confiscated, had also asked for bail to be set at 250'000 euros, but that was rejected by the court.
Last November, Vicens paid 100.000 euros bail in connection with his implication in another alleged corruption case which is still being investigated.
He was subsequently suspended by the Majorcan Unionist Party and, until his resignation, was sitting with the Mixed Group of MPs.
It is understood that Vicens has until 3.30pm today to meet bail or face the prospect of spending Christmas on remand in Palma prison.