Under investigation for alleged links to the Palma police corruption affair, José María Rodríguez left the Palma court today, insisting that he had never been to a brothel and had never sought the services of a prostitute.
The ex-president of the Partido Popular in Palma had been called by the investigating judge, Manuel Penalva, having been mentioned in a number of statements made to the court.
"I was finally able to testify before the judge about things which I deny. I responded to all questions with honesty and by telling the whole truth."
Judge Penalva ordered Rodríguez to not go within 300 metres of Palma town hall, albeit this refers specifically to the department for (business) activities, urban planning and the local police at the town hall building and at other places. A similar restriction is to apply to four unnamed people - three witnesses and one under investigation. He is not able to communicate directly or indirectly with any of them unless given permission by the court. These restraining orders are subject to possible appeal.
Rodríguez said that the restraining order was unfair for someone "who has always been willing to cooperate with the justice system". He continued by saying that "under no circumstances" had he committed the acts of which he was being accused, in particular the formation of a department of the local police under his control. "I know nothing about this."
The judge has yet to make a decision regarding Alvaró Gijón, the former deputy mayor of Palma, and now both a councillor in Palma and a Balearic parliamentary deputy. The prosecution has requested that he also be cited as a witness under investigation in reference to the police corruption investigation.
Rodríguez added that he had been asked about Gijón during the questioning in court and had replied that he is a "friend".