Álvaro García Ortiz Speaks Out: Reflections on Conviction and Impact of Leaked Email Case

Álvaro García Ortiz, the former Attorney General, is breaking his silence following his conviction for leaking an email containing sensitive information about alleged tax fraud involving the partner of Isabel Díaz Ayuso. In his first interview, conducted by Jordi Évole, García Ortiz conveyed his feelings of shock and disillusionment, stating, "I left the trial convinced that I was going to be acquitted," describing the Supreme Court's ruling as a "very tough surprise." He shared that the experience has severely impacted both his professional and personal life, saying, "It's a very tough personal and professional feeling." The weight of this conviction has led him to refer to it as a form of "civil death," an unfathomable situation for someone in his esteemed position. The emotional toll is not limited to García Ortiz alone; he expressed concern over the collateral damage suffered by his family, particularly his children, who have been subjected to relentless media scrutiny. He confessed, "Reading certain things is painful," underscoring the difficulty of navigating this turbulent period. One of the most contentious issues discussed in the interview was the hefty 7,000-euro fine he had to pay to Alberto González Amador, a figure linked to the underlying fraud case. He openly expressed his displeasure: "I did not like it at all," explaining the irony of someone dedicated to prosecuting crime being forced to compensate an individual entangled in a corruption investigation. Additionally, during the interview, he candidly recounted the harrowing moments of the trial, particularly the sting of being convicted by fellow legal professionals. "I felt mistreated," he admitted, reflecting on the harshness of the proceedings and the isolating experience of being singled out in the courtroom. García Ortiz maintains his innocence, adamantly denying his involvement in leaking the email, asserting, "It wasn't me who leaked that email," and clarifying that neither anyone in his circle was responsible for it. He acknowledged the email's significance but firmly denied any wrongdoing. Notably, he revealed a provocative detail, claiming he knew about his impending indictment in advance, which intensified his fear amid the mounting pressure. "I was told directly or indirectly by people what day and at what time I was going to be indicted. It was an absolutely intimidating moment," he recalled. Another alarming element that has haunted him is the fear of sensitive data from his mobile phone being exposed. He described the search executed by the UCO (Central Operational Unit) at his office as an "unimaginable shock," while also recognizing that the agents handled the operation professionally, stating, "It seems delirious to you, but you understand that they are doing their job." Today, García Ortiz finds himself in a phase of personal and professional mourning as he processes the fallout from the trial. He mentioned the importance of reflecting and stated, "For now, I am not thinking about the future. My priority is different: digesting all this alongside my family and distancing myself from the spotlight after one of the toughest episodes of my career." This account from Álvaro García Ortiz serves to highlight the profound personal and legal complexities surrounding high-profile cases and the importance of addressing the human impact behind the headlines. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2