Resignation of Attorney General Álvaro García Ortiz After Supreme Court Ruling

Álvaro García Ortiz has officially submitted his resignation as the Attorney General of Spain following a controversial ruling by the Supreme Court. In a letter addressed to the Minister of Justice, García Ortiz expressed his commitment to the Prosecutor's Office and the Spanish public, emphasizing his respect for judicial decisions despite being condemned for leaking sensitive information. The Supreme Court's decision, which was made public last Thursday, has brought an end to one of the most contentious cases in the court's history. García Ortiz has been sentenced to a two-year disqualification, a fine of 7,200 euros, and ordered to compensate Isabel Díaz Ayuso's partner with 10,000 euros for his role in the leak of a tax fraud confession. While the sentencing details remain unclear as the judgment has yet to be drafted, the implications of the ruling are pronounced, resulting in García Ortiz's departure from his esteemed position. The government has indicated that it is in the process of appointing a new attorney general, while María Ángeles Sánchez Conde, the Deputy Attorney, will temporarily assume the responsibilities of the office. In response to the court proceedings, García Ortiz maintained his innocence, claiming he did not leak the email supposedly containing an offer from a defense attorney related to the tax fraud case. Instead, he argued that his intent was to clarify misinformation circulating in the media during March 2024. The Supreme Court's ruling saw a divide within the judges, with two progressive judges advocating for García Ortiz's acquittal. However, the decision is now final, leaving García Ortiz to navigate the path ahead, which includes the uncertainty of retaining his status as a prosecutor. As the situation unfolds, the country's legal and political landscape anticipates the next steps following García Ortiz's resignation. The developments not only affect the Attorney General's office but also raise broader concerns about accountability and transparency within Spain's legal institutions. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2