Costa Cálida
Ex Totana Mayor to be questioned by Murcia High Court judge on Thursday
By m.p.
Feb 6, 2008 - 6:57 PM

Julián Pérez Templado, the judge appointed by the Murcia High Court of Justice to instruct the Operation Totem corruption investigation in Totana, will be hearing evidence on Thursday from the former Partido Popular Mayor of the town, Juan Morales. Morales was thrown out of his party after his possible implication in the case came to light, and was also told to move over to the Grupo Mixto in the regional parliament, where he previously held a seat for the Partido Popular.

Manuel López Bernal, chief prosecutor at the High Court, will also be there when Morales is questioned, EFE said.

The ex Mayor was escorted by Civil Guard to a bank in Totana on Wednesday, where a safe deposit box seized as part of the investigation was opened in his presence as the key holder. It was found to be empty.

There was also news that the Civil Guard team which is investigating Operation Totem questioned a local councillor from Totana Town Hall on Tuesday: Belén García López, who has responsibility for tourism and culture. EFE quotes sources at the Town Hall saying it was in connection with investigations into a traffic accident she was involved in two years ago.