Ortiz’s lawyers and supporters argue the government is backing the ruling despite disagreements within officials.

The case has been a focal point in the broader political friction surrounding Ayuso’s party and other figures tied to the government.

The case drew intense media attention and highlighted tensions between the judiciary and political leadership in Spain.

The Popular Party has demanded Sánchez’s resignation and a snap election, framing the case as evidence of systemic corruption; Sánchez counters with allegations of a smear campaign.

The verdict was delivered unusually quickly, ahead of a full written reasoning, marking a historic moment in Spain as a chief prosecutor faces such charges.

Prosecutor associations and opposition figures urged Ortiz’s resignation, while some judiciary voices argued the ruling demonstrates that no one is above the law.

Testimony included claims that journalists did not source the material from Ortiz, who maintains his innocence and source protection was invoked.

Remedies remain limited: Ortiz could pursue constitutional avenues or potentially reach the European Court of Human Rights if available.

The court’s ruling characterizes García Ortiz as the offender of disclosing confidential data under the Penal Code, balancing potential penalties between prison time and disqualification.

The trial underscored the broader investigations involving associates of Sánchez and the ongoing political turmoil ahead of potential elections.

The ruling explicitly allows for an appeal.

The case centers on a March 2024 AG office press release about a plea bargain and subsequent corrections to reported information that triggered privacy breach concerns.

García Ortiz continues to deny the charges.

Ayuso and the PP accused García Ortiz of leaking documents to damage Ayuso, while González Amador sought substantial damages in the broader dispute.

The sentence includes a €7,200 fine and €10,000 in moral damages, with González Amador previously seeking a higher damages award.

The six-day trial featured testimony from over 40 witnesses, including prosecutors, journalists, and politicians, heard by seven Supreme Court judges.

The decision came from a 5-2 vote, signaling a divided bench.

The verdict was not unanimous: five judges supported the conviction and two dissented, with a separate opinion to be published.

The final written judgment had not yet been completed at the time of the ruling.

González Amador testified he was unaware of any deal, a development straining relations between Spain’s minority government and the conservative opposition.

The González Amador tax fraud inquiry remains open, with García Ortiz denying any wrongdoing.

A landmark ruling in Spain finds Attorney General Álvaro García Ortiz guilty of unlawfully disclosing confidential information linked to the tax status of Alberto González Amador, forcing a two-year post disqualification, a €7,200 fine, and €10,000 in damages to González Amador.

This case marks the first time a current chief prosecutor has faced criminal charges in modern Spain, highlighting broader investigations surrounding people close to Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and shaping political dynamics.

During the trial, García Ortiz denied being the source of the leak, with journalists testifying they did not receive the information from him, and the public prosecutor had sought acquittal.

Reaction to the verdict was mixed: some government officials questioned the evidence and due process, while parts of the judiciary welcomed the ruling as upholding the rule of law.

The court noted the option to appeal the decision to the Constitutional Court, and the written sentence is still being drafted.

The government said it respects the ruling but does not share it, and announced plans to nominate a new attorney general in the coming days.

Justice Minister Félix Bolaños echoed that stance, stating respect for the ruling while disagreeing with it and confirming steps to appoint a new chief prosecutor.

Prime Minister Sánchez faced political backlash as the government prepared to nominate a replacement, arguing the decision underscores accountability but shifts power dynamics.

Observations from media suggest the ruling rests on circumstantial evidence rather than conclusive proof, with the public justification still limited.

The trial featured more than 40 witnesses, including prosecutors, politicians, and journalists, underscoring the high-profile nature of the proceedings.

Ortiz was ordered to pay the €7,200 fine and €10,000 in moral damages; the ruling is not yet final.

Contextual reporting notes the broader political tension surrounding a government rival from the conservative camp, without naming individuals beyond the main parties.

Under Spanish law, Supreme Court rulings are generally not appealable, though García Ortiz can pursue a constitutional challenge before the Constitutional Court.

Opposition figures criticized the conviction as an anomaly weighing on Sánchez, while Vox and others warned of broader implications for the government.

Prosecutors argued there was no improper conduct, noting that the information had already been published by the media when it reached the prosecutor.

Analysts view the ruling as adding to a slate of legal challenges facing Sánchez’s coalition and contributing to political instability ahead of elections.

Ortiz maintains his innocence, asserting he was not the source and that the government supports him despite the ruling.

The ruling, handed down after Ortiz joined the office in 2022, represents a significant blow to Sánchez’s administration and raises questions about judicial independence.

The decision is unprecedented and signals a potential shift in how political accountability is enforced within Spain’s coalition government.

Ayuso and the PP claim the leak aimed to undermine Ayuso and Sánchez’s government, while the administration contends it was a targeted political struggle.

Ortiz, the first serving attorney general to go on trial in Spain’s history, argued he was targeted to distract from González Amador’s case and protect Ayuso.

Ortiz has the option to appeal, and the government intends to move forward with appointing a new attorney general notwithstanding the ruling.