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Zapatero claims the jewels are a gift from the Saudi king

The former president tells the judge that the jewelry is a "gift" from 2007 and requests cooperation from Saudi Arabia.

23 September 2026Tagblick Newsdesk

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Archive photo: Zapatero claims the jewels are a gift from the Saudi king — Archive photoPhoto: Guillaume Paumier (user:guillom) · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0

Former Spanish Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero has stated before the judge that the jewelry found in his office is a "gift" from the King of Saudi Arabia, Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, received in 2007. According to a document he has submitted, this is part of the investigations currently underway regarding the rescue of Plus Ultra.

Zapatero has requested the Audiencia Nacional to process a letter rogatory for Saudi Arabia to collaborate in verifying his claims. In his request, he emphasizes the importance of certifying the origin of the jewelry, which has been valued at 1.3 million euros by the judge.

The former president indicates that the pieces were a "strictly personal gift," responding to a judicial requirement that demanded he provide documentation regarding these jewels within three days. This requirement arises within the context of the investigation that has attracted media attention.

In addition, Zapatero's defense has questioned the previous valuation of the jewelry, pointing out that it does not correspond with the figures of 1.2 million euros mentioned by the auction house Ansorena. The discrepancy regarding the actual value of the jewels is part of the arguments presented by his lawyer.

One additional aspect to consider is that during Zapatero's term in office, a code of ethics was approved in 2005 that prevented officials from accepting such gifts. This context has sparked reflection regarding the legality and ethics of his possession of these items, which has been discussed by various information sources.

Finally, the current situation entails that the former president is undergoing a rigorous judicial process, in which his statement and the evidence he presents will play a crucial role in the development of the case.

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