The Audiencia Nacional (National Court) has issued an eleven-page order refusing to investigate the complaint filed by former President Artur Mas, a victim of Operació Catalunya (Operation Catalonia) and espionage using the Pegasus program. This decision follows the Audiencia de Barcelona (Barcelona Court) also declaring itself incompetent, arguing the case exceeded Catalonia's territorial scope.
According to the resolution, the magistrates argue that there is insufficient evidence to consider the case within the jurisdiction of this specialized court. Furthermore, they point out that a significant portion of the alleged facts would already be prescribed (statute of limitations) and that the basis of the complaint largely stems from “journalistic information” lacking solid judicial foundation.
The judicial resolution reiterates the argument of the public prosecutor's office, which had already expressed the lack of foundation in former President Mas's complaint.
The complaint targeted former Interior Minister Jorge Fernández Díaz, former PP Secretary-General María Dolores de Cospedal, former Secretary of State for Security Francisco Martínez, and high-ranking officials of the National Police, in addition to the Israeli company NSO. They were accused of crimes such as criminal organization, document forgery, and violation of fundamental rights.
Mas's defense, led by lawyer Jordi Pina, has already announced that it will file an appeal with the Appeals Chamber of the Audiencia Nacional. In the event of a further rejection, they plan to raise a conflict of competence before the Tribunal Supremo (Supreme Court) to exhaust all legal avenues.
