Ex-Valencia premier makes last plea of innocence
Jury to get the "suit-gate" case on Monday
Former Valencia regional premier Francisco Camps made a final plea of innocence Friday as jurors were set to begin deliberating next week over whether he and another ex-Popular Party (PP) official received dress suits and other gifts from members of the Gürtel corrupt businessmen's network.
"I am innocent and I have come here looking for justice from my trusting and committed fellow citizens," Camps said after closing arguments in the case.
Camps went on trial in Valencia High Court on December 12 along with former local PP secretary general Ricardo Costa. Judge Juan Climent on Monday will come up with a jury verdict form with questions the nine jurors can answer.
To be found guilty, seven must vote in favor; an acquittal will only need five votes. If there is no agreement among the panel, the judge will release the jury and order a new trial.
Camps and Costa face fines of up to 41,000 euros if they are found guilty.
