On Monday, a trial began in Madrid that is already being called historic for modern Spain. For the first time, the Supreme Court is considering a case against the country’s sitting Attorney General—Álvaro García Ortiz. He is accused of violating the confidentiality of an investigation, a charge that could have far-reaching consequences for the entire justice system.
The hearings opened with procedural discussions, after which the judges began questioning the first witnesses. Six testimonies were scheduled for the day, and over the course of two weeks, around forty people are expected to take part, including experts and eyewitnesses. The atmosphere in the courtroom is tense, with every word under close scrutiny; after all, the defendant is someone who has previously led major prosecutions himself.
At the heart of the case is an incident involving the leak of an email connected to the defense of Alberto González Amador, partner of the head of the Madrid regional government. Investigators were unable to find direct evidence that García Ortiz initiated the publication of this information in the media. It also remains unclear whether he ordered the letter to be distributed among journalists.
Nevertheless, the judge who conducted the preliminary investigation insisted that the case should go to trial. He cited two main arguments: the prosecutor received the disputed letter before it appeared in the press and deleted data from personal devices. These points formed the basis of the accusation, despite the lack of direct evidence.
The proceedings are taking place amid heated debates within the legal community and among politicians. Many experts believe that the outcome of the case could set new standards for the work of the prosecutor’s office and the handling of official information. Hearings are expected to last at least two weeks, and their results are likely to have long-term implications for the entire country’s judicial system.
