Former Attorney General Álvaro García Ortiz Sentenced Amid Controversy

The awaited day has finally come as the sentence against former Attorney General of the State, Álvaro García Ortiz, has been revealed, concluding nearly three weeks of speculation and anticipation. The court has found him guilty, asserting that either he or someone in his inner circle leaked an email to Cadena Ser on February 2, 2024. This email, emanating from the lawyer representing Alberto González Amador, a partner of the Madrid president, acknowledged two tax crimes as part of a plea deal with the prosecutor investigating him. The reactions to the ruling, one of the most significant news stories in recent months, have emerged swiftly. Jaume Asens, a Member of the European Parliament, took to X to express his skepticism, suggesting that a crime necessitates a clear author and criticized the ambiguity surrounding the source of the leak. "If they don’t know who it was, how can they condemn? Either he did it, or someone else did. Legally, there is no middle ground. This is not a sentence; it is a writ of faith of pure inquisitorial style," Asens remarked, alluding to the court's conclusion that the prosecutor or someone from García Ortiz's environment was responsible for the leak. In a similar vein, Alberto Ibáñez, a deputy of Compromís, commented sarcastically, questioning the court's assertion: "It was you or someone from your environment or we invent it but you move forward. Scandal! Without the Rule of Law." The spokesperson for the Popular Party in Congress, Ester Muñoz, added her voice to the criticisms, declaring García Ortiz as the first delinquent Attorney General of the State. This sentiment reflects a growing discontent among political adversaries regarding the ruling. In contrast, Defense Minister Margarita Robles expressed her unwavering support for the Supreme Court after the sentence was made public. Robles, a former Supreme Court member herself, emphasized the necessity of trust in governmental institutions for the proper functioning of democracy. "I have total and absolute confidence in the Supreme Court," she stated, highlighting the importance of institutional integrity. Adding to the discourse, the government spokesperson Pilar Alegría acknowledged the timing of the sentence's publication, admitting that they were caught off guard. "Ideally, we should dedicate our time to reading it and once we have reviewed it, we will express our opinion on it," Alegría remarked, indicating a need for thorough analysis before commenting further. This ongoing controversy raises essential questions regarding accountability, transparency, and the rule of law in high-profile cases involving public officials. As reactions continue to unfold, it remains to be seen how this pivotal moment will influence the legal and political landscape in Spain. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2