Spanish duke in corruption case
February 25, 2012
The son-in-law of Spain's King Juan Carlos has appeared in court to answer questions over suspected corruption.
Inaki Urdangarin arrived at the courthouse in Palma de Mallorca as anti-monarchy protesters gathered outside the building to protest against alleged corruption.
Urdangarin, Duke of Palma, was in court to face examination over whether he used his status to fraudulently secure transactions to make a personal profit.
The former professional basketball player, who gained his title by marrying King Juan Carlos's youngest daughter, Cristina, said he had come to defend his honor "and to clear up the truth."
"My intention today is to clarify the truth of what happened. I am convinced that my declaration today will help to do so," he added, before entering the hearing.
Anti-monarchy sentiment
Some 100 protesters waved signs outside, featuring slogans such as "Inaki owes us money" and "Monarchy = Corruption."
The case is the first major scandal to touch the royal family and comes at a time when Spaniards are suffering an economic downturn that has seen unemployment reach nearly 23 percent.
The preliminary investigation, in which Inaki is a suspect along with former associates, will focus on whether he siphoned off some 5.8 million euros from regional governments towards his own companies.
The channeling of funds is alleged to have taken place through the Noos Institute, a charitable organization of which Inaki was chairman from 2004 to 2006.
King Juan Carlos has sought to distance himself from the affair and in December the royal family suspended Urdangarin from official engagements.
rc/ccp (AP, AFP, dpa)