A landmark court case has begun in Madrid: Spain’s Attorney General, Álvaro García Ortiz, is on trial. This is the first time such a senior prosecutor has had to defend himself in court. Hearings will continue until mid-November, with public attention remaining high.
Reasons for the charges and case details
García Ortiz is suspected of disclosing confidential information. Prosecutors allege that he provided journalists with an email sent by lawyer Alberto González Amador, who is in a relationship with Madrid’s regional president Isabel Díaz Ayuso. The letter discussed a possible plea deal in a case involving alleged fraud exceeding €350,000. Publication of this email sparked a political storm and led to the launch of an official investigation.
However, during the preliminary investigation, no direct evidence was found linking García Ortiz to the leak. Despite extensive searches of his office and the seizure of electronic devices, investigators were unable to determine who provided the information to the media. Nevertheless, the judge ruled that circumstantial evidence was sufficient for the case to go to trial. Among these were the fact that García Ortiz received the letter before it appeared in the press and that data was erased from his devices.
The defense’s stance and trial progress
García Ortiz’s lawyers insist that dozens of prosecution employees had access to the disputed letter, and that journalists had received its content before it reached the attorney general. The accused explains the deletion of data from his phone by saying he needs to regularly clear the device due to the large volume of information and security requirements.
The hearings are divided into six sessions to be held over two weeks. Seven judges will preside, representing both conservative and progressive factions. Multiple parties support the prosecution: in addition to the personal accuser—Díaz Ayuso’s partner—professional legal associations and far-right organizations have joined the case. The penalties sought range from four to six years in prison, a lengthy ban from public office, and a significant fine.
Key defendants and expected developments
Nearly thirty witnesses and over ten members of the Guardia Civil are expected to testify during the trial. García Ortiz himself is scheduled to take the stand on the penultimate day of the hearings, after which both sides will present their concluding statements. This order was implemented so that the accused could answer all questions after the examination of the other participants.
The final court decision is expected on November 13. Regardless of the outcome, this case has already made history in the Spanish judiciary and could impact future relations between the judicial and executive branches of the country.
