In a significant legal and political development, Spain’s Supreme Court has delivered a verdict that has stirred the nation’s political landscape. Attorney General Álvaro García Ortiz has been found guilty of leaking private information regarding the partner of a prominent conservative figure.
The court, in a narrow 5-2 decision, has removed García Ortiz from his position for a duration of two years. This ruling poses a challenge to Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, who had supported García Ortiz through the investigation and subsequent trial. The Spanish government, while acknowledging the court’s ruling, expressed its disagreement with the decision.
The case centered around allegations that García Ortiz disclosed an email to the press and issued a press statement containing personal details about Alberto González Amador. González Amador, who is being investigated for possible tax evasion, is in a relationship with Isabel Díaz Ayuso, the influential leader of Madrid’s regional government and a significant opposition figure.
Despite denying any misdeeds, García Ortiz now faces the option to challenge the ruling in the Constitutional Court. In addition to the suspension, he has been ordered to pay fines amounting to 7,200 euros ($8,300), and 10,000 euros ($11,500) as compensation to González Amador, along with covering court costs.
The trial, held earlier this month, captivated the Spanish media, marking an unprecedented event where a high-ranking prosecutor was subjected to a criminal trial in Spain’s modern era. This case is one of several controversies involving individuals close to Sánchez.
The court issued a brief statement regarding its decision, with the full verdict yet to be released. In response, the government has announced its intention to initiate the process of appointing a new attorney general shortly.
