The trial against the former mayor of Reus Lluís Miquel Pérez begins this Monday in the Fourth Section of the Provincial Court of Tarragona. The court has confirmed that the accused is fit to be tried after receiving the forensic doctor's report.
The defense had alleged health problems to avoid the process, but the doctor determines that Pérez can testify and continue the oral hearing. The expert points to mild cognitive impairment that could affect his memory during the sessions, although it does not prevent his participation in the trial.
The Prosecutor's Office requests ten years in prison for prevarication
Lluís Miquel Pérez, 70, faces a request for a 10-year prison sentence. The public prosecution charges him with the crimes of prevarication, embezzlement of public funds, document forgery, and influence peddling within the so-called Innova case.
In addition to deprivation of liberty, the Public Prosecutor's Office requests a special disqualification of 20 years from holding public office. The conviction would also include a fine of 200,000 euros for his alleged responsibility in the management of the municipal company.
"He can testify and attend the trial" - Forensic doctor, Provincial Court of Tarragona
The origin of this case dates back to the management of the public company Innova Reus. Investigators are analyzing the alleged irregularity in the administration of municipal resources and the political influence exerted on the company's business decisions.
Court Demands Shirota Functional Foods' Minute Book
The court has requested the Reus City Council to locate the minute book of the board and the shareholders' meeting of Shirota Functional Foods SL. This company, in which Innova, the Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Tecnoparc, and La Morella Nuts are shareholders, went into liquidation in 2011.
The specific judicial proceedings on this company began in 2013. The documentation is key to clarifying the decision-making in a company that was part of the economic network controlled from the town hall during Pérez's term.