Begonia Gomez, wife of Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and accused in an embezzlement case, refused to attend a court session on Saturday evening that was meant to formally notify her of the requirement to stand trial, according to a legal source who attended the session.

The source added that Gomez, who has the right to appeal the court’s request, referred to legal instructions stating that such “notification” sessions do not require the accused party’s presence and that her lawyers represented her.

The judge investigating the case summoned Gomez to officially inform her that his preliminary investigation showed the need for a trial before a jury.

The judge suspects that Gomez used an assistant, whose salary was paid by the Prime Minister’s office, to perform activities for her while she held a position at Complutense University in Madrid.

Gomez denied any wrongdoing during her appearance before Judge Juan Carlos Peinado on September 10.

However, the prolonged investigation has caused embarrassment for the leftist Prime Minister and pressure on his coalition.

Gomez’s assistant, Cristina Alvarez, and the person who hired her, who is also accused, did not attend the hearing and were represented by their lawyers.

Both the prosecution and defense teams requested the dismissal of the case, arguing that the accused are not government employees.

The judge’s decision is expected in the coming days.

In a preliminary ruling published Wednesday, Peinado said the investigation indicates that Alvarez clearly exceeded her duties as an employee in Sánchez’s office.

He added that Gomez’s personal friendship with Alvarez was the reason for her appointment.

The judge is also investigating whether Gomez exploited her position as Sánchez’s wife for personal gain, following complaints from groups linked to the far-right.

The judge is also targeting two prominent politicians in the Socialist Party to which Sánchez belongs, as well as his younger brother.

On Wednesday, Sánchez stated that he is confident “the truth will ultimately prevail” and that his wife and brother will be acquitted, condemning what he called “false accusations” aimed at destabilizing his government.