News from Jerez 25.8.12

Jose Maria Ruiz Mateos (81) says he is prepared to show that he intends to repay all the money he owes by going on hunger strike. He denies having money outside Spain with which to pay this (which many doubt). He also denies laughing at justice, an accusation made recently by a judge. These statements were made after his third no-show at court in Palma Mallorca where he is supposed to declare in the case of a 13 million euro (presumed) hotel fraud. The judge had ordered his detention to ensure his appearance, and he was detained, but released after 13 hours for "humanitarian reasons" there apparently being a deterioration in his health in detention.