El Pais newspaper gives prosecutors 'Barcenas' secret papers'

A Spanish newspaper says it has given prosecutors documents it obtained that allegedly show under-the-table payments to leading members of the governing Popular Party, including Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy.

El Pais last week published what it called the "secret papers" of former party Treasurer Luis Barcenas, with copies of alleged records from several years ago showing names and amounts received. The money was allegedly paid by businesses, many in the construction sector.

The scandal, one of many in Spain, has particularly angered the public because Rajoy is demanding huge sacrifices from Spaniards as the country battles recession and 25 percent unemployment.

The newspaper said editor Javier Moreno handed in the documents Tuesday. Prosecutors are to question Barcenas about them on Wednesday. The Popular Party has denied any wrongdoing.