Supreme Court Ruling: Attorney General's Duty to Maintain Confidentiality Upheld Amid Controversy

The Supreme Court has issued a significant ruling stating that the Attorney General of the State, Álvaro García Ortiz, cannot legally respond to false information by breaking the law. This ruling comes in the wake of a scandal involving the leak of sensitive information related to a case against Alberto González Amador, a business partner of Madrid's president, Isabel Díaz Ayuso. The decision was made public this Tuesday, three weeks following the anticipation of the verdict. According to the court's decision, the leak of confidential emails and a press release mentioning González Amador's plea agreement contributed to García Ortiz's two-year disqualification and a fine of €7,200. Additionally, he was ordered to pay €10,000 in compensation for moral damages to González Amador. The ruling establishes that either García Ortiz or someone close to him leaked the pertinent email, and it maintains that the Attorney General bears a heightened responsibility to protect confidentiality, which he violated without justification. The judiciary emphasized on its website that the Attorney General of the State must not resort to committing a crime when addressing false news. Notably, the court reiterated that it does not question the credibility of journalists or the truthfulness of their accounts. It stressed that knowledge of a confidential detail does not absolve the Attorney General from the obligation of confidentiality. The court's decision showcases an unwavering respect for the professional secrecy of journalists. However, there exists a dissenting opinion from judges Ana Ferrer and Susana Polo. They argue for García Ortiz's acquittal, stating that there is insufficient evidence proving that he leaked the email, and they do not see any illegal conduct in the dissemination of the press release. In light of this judgment, the Supreme Court has made it clear that the responsibility of government officials, particularly those in high offices like the Attorney General, is to uphold the law and maintain the trust vested in them. The ruling serves as a reminder that breaches of confidentiality, especially by those who hold significant power, cannot be overlooked or excused and that the integrity of journalists must be protected for a healthy democratic society. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2