Date set for first trial of former President Matas

04/09/2013 00:00

Palma.The 9th of January has been set as the first of what will be an ongoing series of trials in relation to the Palma Arena corruption scandal. Ex Partido Popular President Matas is accused, amongst other things of fraud and misuse of public funds in relation to the construction of the vast velodrome, sports and concert arena near the public cemetery in Palma. If found guilty, Matas could face eight-and-a-half years in prison.

The trial in January, expected to last to the end of the month, will relate to payments of 483'186 euros that Matas allegedly made using public money to a journalist Antonio Alemany for writing his speeches. Also on trial with Matas in this particular section of the scandal investigation, will be six government and media figures who have been implicated in the case. The Public Prosecutor is accusing them of fraud, falsifying documents and using power and influence for personal gain.

In this section of the trial, the court will be looking at a subsidy of 450'000 euros which the government allegedly received to set up a news agency and a further 11'500 to publish sports reports. It was never done.