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EPA

Spain's top prosecutor, Álvaro García Ortiz, has been compelled to resign after being convicted of disclosing classified details in a deeply controversial case that has accentuated political rifts within the country.

Judicial Decision and Sanctions

The highest court found that the attorney general had illegally disclosed information about the tax situation of businessman a prominent business figure, who is the partner of a senior conservative politician.

The court imposed a two-year ban from his post and a fine of seven thousand two hundred euros. Furthermore, he must pay ten thousand euros to Mr González Amador as compensation.

Political Fallout

The legal proceedings of García Ortiz fueled the previously strained relationship between the left-wing government of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and the right-wing opposition.

Divergent viewpoints were underlined by responses to the guilty verdict.

"The prime minister must apologise to the Spanish people, step down and call elections, in that sequence," said Ester Muñoz for the main opposition party.

The administration stated it disagreed with the decision but respected it and would proceed with the selection of a replacement prosecutor.

Legal Controversy

However, numerous politicians on the left expressed outrage at what they viewed as a politically motivated ruling.

A cabinet member, of the Sumar party, stated the guilty verdict dealt a "devastating impact to the principle of innocent until proven guilty" and compromised citizens' rights when it came to the rule of law.

Origins of the Matter

The complicated legal matter dates back to March 2024, when the prosecutor's department issued a press release indicating that Mr González Amador had sought a negotiated settlement after being discovered avoiding tax obligations worth over 350,000 euros.

The statement corrected mistaken press reports stating that the attorney general's office had proposed the bargain.

The origin of the incorrect reports was the head of communications of the conservative regional president of the capital region.

Court Case Details

Mr González Amador filed a complaint against the attorney general, alleging his confidentiality was violated. The case against García Ortiz also saw him accused of disclosing details about the matter to the media.

Prosecutors highlighted the attorney general's decision to change his phone as suspicious.

Yet, there was no conclusive proof linking García Ortiz to the leak and multiple reporters stated under oath during the proceedings that he had not provided information of their information.

Regarding the press statement, the attorney general stated he was merely rectifying the erroneous reports.

The attorney general can challenge the decision.

Wider Political Implications

This comes as a severe blow for the prime minister, who has been under judicial pressure on multiple issues.

• A family member is due to go on trial for alleged corruption
• The prime minister's spouse is under investigation for her commercial dealings
• Former party officials in the Socialist Party are accused of overseeing a large-scale corruption operation