Santos Cerdán, former secretary of Organization of the PSOE, has offered his first public statements after leaving the Soto del Real prison on Wednesday, where he remained in pre-trial detention since the end of June. At his exit, the former socialist leader lamented the interpretation that, according to him, is being made of the reports prepared by the Central Operative Unit (UCO) of the Civil Guard in the framework of the Koldo case.
Cerdán’s first words after his release from prison
As he left the prison, Cerdán avoided detailing his defense strategy, but he did send a clear message about the documentation that points to him.
According to him, “many lies and manipulations are being told about the reports” prepared by the Central Operative Unit (UCO). The former leader assured that he trusts that “the truth will prevail” and stressed that he hopes that, once the facts are clarified, “justice will be done”.
The former deputy appeared accompanied by one of his lawyers and dedicated a few words of thanks to his closest environment: family, friends and the legal team that has represented him during these months. He also said that in the next few days he will offer a more complete explanation of his situation, without answering questions from the media.
His stay in prison and the charges against him
Cerdán entered the Soto del Real prison on June 30, investigated for alleged crimes of criminal organization, bribery and influence peddling.
The investigating judge initially placed him in a relevant role within the scheme that would have facilitated public contracts in exchange for illegal commissions.
During this time, his lawyers (Benet Salellas and Jacobo Teijelo) requested his release on five occasions. All of them were rejected both by the investigator and by the Appeals Chamber, which considered that the reasons for maintaining the precautionary measure persisted.
A solution that does not put an end to the judicial process
Cerdán’s release from prison does not imply the closure of the case, which is still under investigation and continues to generate judicial movements and political repercussions.
The former socialist leader is now awaiting further proceedings that will determine his procedural future in an investigation that continues to advance and remains under public scrutiny.
