Spain's top prosecutor stepped down after judges convicted him of illegally sharing confidential messages about a tax fraud investigation targeting the romantic partner of a prominent opposition figure. Álvaro García Ortiz leaked settlement correspondence between attorneys and businessman Alberto González Amador, whose relationship with Madrid regional leader Isabel Díaz Ayuso placed the case under intense political scrutiny.
The Supreme Court barred García Ortiz from public office for two years while imposing financial penalties after determining he distributed protected emails to reporters, countering what he viewed as misleading press coverage. Madrid's chief prosecutor identified him as the source during court proceedings.
His departure marks an unprecedented moment as no chief prosecutor has faced criminal sanctions during Spain's democratic era, amplifying friction between Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez's administration and conservative rivals over judicial independence.
The Supreme Court barred García Ortiz from public office for two years while imposing financial penalties after determining he distributed protected emails to reporters, countering what he viewed as misleading press coverage. Madrid's chief prosecutor identified him as the source during court proceedings.
His departure marks an unprecedented moment as no chief prosecutor has faced criminal sanctions during Spain's democratic era, amplifying friction between Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez's administration and conservative rivals over judicial independence.
