The Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office asked the judge on Tuesday to investigate José Manuel Villarejo to extend the unconditional prison of the retired commissioner. Villarejo was arrested on November 3, 2017 and sent to prison by judge Carmen Lamela . The law states that the initial duration of provisional imprisonment can only reach two years, but authorizes a single extension of two others.

The prosecutors of the case consider that such an extension is necessary in the case of Villarejo and request the holding of the hearing in which accusations and defenses must present their arguments for or against the precautionary measure. The decision is in the hands of the head of the Central Court of Instruction number 6, Manuel García Castellón . If the prison was extended, it would be for a maximum of two years. If by then there was no conviction of the National Court in the Tandem case , the respondent would have to be released. Even if the prison situation is prolonged, Villarejo could be released on bail at any time if the judge so agreed or the accusations proposed.

The hearing on the precautionary measures must be held and resolved before day 3, since the prison time calculations are computed from the moment of arrest, not since the prison order is issued (which was issued three days later). Everything indicates that the judge will keep the commissioner in prison. García Castellón has been arguing that if he is free, there is a risk of his escape. And that, in addition, could still destroy evidence or contact witnesses of the case. In his favor weighs the long preventive time completed and his delicate state of health.

The defense of Villarejo has requested more than a dozen times the provisional release, either with bail or with some telematic system that prevents his escape. So far, without any success.

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