Spain’s Supreme Court on Thursday convicted the country’s Attorney General of unlawfully disclosing confidential details about the partner of a prominent right-wing figure and political adversary of the left-leaning coalition government.
In a 5–2 ruling, the court suspended Attorney General Álvaro García Ortiz (main image) from his role for a period of two years.
The outcome marks a setback for Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, who stood by García Ortiz throughout the lengthy investigation and trial. In response, the Spanish government said it ‘respected the decision but does not share it’.
Prosecutors accused García Ortiz of passing an email to reporters and issuing a press note containing private information about businessman Alberto González Amador while he was the subject of an ongoing tax-fraud probe. That investigation has not yet concluded.
González Amador is the partner of Isabel Díaz Ayuso, Madrid’s powerful regional president and a leading opposition figure at the national level.
García Ortiz rejected the allegations and maintains he committed no crime. He is entitled to file an appeal before the Constitutional Court. ALSO READ: Spain’s Attorney General denies leaking documents in Supreme Court trial.
Along with his removal, the court imposed financial penalties including a €7,200 fine, €10,000 in compensation to González Amador, and payment of legal costs.
Earlier this month, Spanish media closely followed the proceedings, which marked the first time in the country’s democratic era that a sitting Attorney General faced criminal charges.
This case is among several recent controversies involving individuals within Prime Minister Sánchez’s orbit. ALSO READ: Supreme Court releases ex-ally of PM implicated in corruption probe, but is barred from leaving Spain.
The Supreme Court announced its decision in a brief communiqué; the full judgment has not yet been released. The government said it will begin the selection process for a new attorney general in the coming days.
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