Overview
- The Audiencia Provincial de Madrid's Sección Sexta dismissed appeals from the Ministerio Fiscal, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and the PSOE and declared the decision final so the criminal inquiry is closed.
- An investigating judge at Juzgado de Instrucción nº12 de Madrid had ordered the case to be archived and the appeals court upheld that sobreseimiento.
- The court said the word 'corrupto' in this context did not show an intent to insult but referred to ongoing judicial matters around the president’s circle, making it political speech.
- The banner was displayed by the advocacy group Hazte Oír on a façade in front of the Congreso de los Diputados and was later removed during the controversy.
- The ruling underscores how Spanish courts weigh protection of honour against constitutional free‑speech rights and may limit use of criminal charges for political accusations while civil or administrative paths remain separate.