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EPA

Spain's top prosecutor, the country's chief legal officer, has been forced to step down after being found guilty of disclosing classified details in a deeply controversial case that has accentuated political rifts within the country.

Court Ruling and Sanctions

The highest court found that García Ortiz had unlawfully revealed information about the tax situation of businessman Alberto González Amador, who is the partner of a leading opposition figure.

The judicial body imposed a two-year ban from his post and a penalty of seven thousand two hundred euros. Additionally, he must compensate ten thousand euros to the businessman as restitution.

Political Fallout

The legal proceedings of the attorney general fueled the previously strained relationship between the progressive administration of the nation's leader and the conservative political forces.

Divergent viewpoints were underlined by reactions to the guilty verdict.

"The prime minister must offer an apology to the Spanish people, step down and schedule new elections, in that order," said Ester Muñoz for the main opposition party.

The government stated it did not agree with the ruling but respected it and would move forward with the appointment of a new attorney general.

Judicial Dispute

Nevertheless, numerous progressive lawmakers expressed anger at what they perceived as a politically motivated ruling.

A cabinet member, of the progressive coalition, stated the guilty verdict dealt a "lethal blow to the principle of innocent until proven guilty" and threw ordinary Spaniards under the bus when it came to the legal system.

Case Background

The complex case originated in spring of 2024, when the attorney general's office issued a official statement indicating that Mr González Amador had requested a plea bargain after being found to have evaded tax obligations worth €350,951.

The statement corrected inaccurate media coverage stating that the attorney general's office had initiated the settlement.

The origin of the incorrect reports was the communications director of the conservative regional president of Madrid.

Court Case Details

Mr González Amador lodged a legal action against the attorney general, claiming his confidentiality was violated. The legal action against García Ortiz also saw him accused of leaking information about the affair to the press.

Legal authorities highlighted the prosecutor's decision to replace his mobile device as incriminating.

However, there was no conclusive proof linking the attorney general to the leak and several journalists stated under oath during the trial that he had not provided information of their reporting.

Concerning the official communication, the prosecutor stated he was simply correcting the erroneous reports.

García Ortiz can appeal against the ruling.

Wider Political Implications

This represents a severe blow for the national leader, who has been facing legal scrutiny on multiple issues.

• A family member is scheduled for court proceedings for influence peddling
• His wife is being examined for her business activities
• Two former senior figures in the governing political organization are accused of overseeing a large-scale corruption operation