Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez exercised his right to not testify on Tuesday in a corruption case involving his wife, Begoña Gómez. who is accused of leveraging her position to influence business deals.

Under Article 315 of the the Spanish Civil Procedure Law, government officials can testify in writing. Sánchez offered to provide written evidence to Judge Juan Carlos Peinado, but this was rejected. Peinado insisted on questioning Sánchez as Gómez’s spouse, rather than as Prime Minister. Sánchez then invoked his right to remain silent under Article 118 of the Spanish Criminal Procedure Law, which grants broad scope for the right to remain silent during investigations, trials, or appeals.

The Spanish General Council of the Judiciary (CGPJ) announced that a lawsuit had been filed against Peinado for alleged abuse of power by insisting Sánchez testify in person rather than allowing written evidence.

In a recent press release, the activist group Manos Limpias accused the CGPJ of publicly discrediting Judge Peinado to influence his future decisions. Manos Limpias has addressed their complaint to the European Commissioner for Justice, urging protection for Judge Peinado against the CGPJ’s actions, which they claim threaten the rule of law and judicial independence.

In May, the Public Prosecutor’s Office asked the court to dismiss the allegations against Gómez due to a lack of evidence, finding no indication of potential criminal activity. However, the investigation continued in a lower court.

Government spokesperson Pilar Alegría told local reporters that the allegations are a “hoax,” with the “clear objective” of eroding the president’s image.

The case was initiated by Manos Limpias, which translates to “Clean Hands.” In April, when the investigation began, Sánchez took five days off to consider his future but ultimately decided to remain in office.