Spain's Supreme Court Sentences Attorney General to Two-Year Disqualification
Spain's Supreme Court Sentences Attorney General to Two-Year Disqualification
Madrid, November 20, 2025.
Spain's Supreme Court has delivered a guilty verdict against the sitting Attorney General of the State, Ălvaro GarcĂa Ortiz, in a case concerning the disclosure of classified information. The court found him guilty of a crime under Article 417 of the Criminal Code and sentenced him to two years of disqualification from holding public office, along with a fine of 7,200 euros.
The case relates to events in March 2024, when confidential materials from a tax investigation into Alberto GonzĂĄlez Amador, partner of the President of the Madrid Autonomous Community Isabel DĂaz Ayuso, were leaked to the media. The publications included an internal letter from the defendantâs lawyer and a press release from the Madrid Public Prosecutorâs Office. According to the court, GarcĂa Ortiz issued the order to release this information to the press in an attempt to influence public opinion during a political dispute.
The ruling was adopted by a majority voteâfive to two. Judges Ana MarĂa Ferrer GarcĂa and Susana Polo GarcĂa submitted dissenting opinions, arguing that the evidence was insufficient for a conviction.
In addition to the main penalty, GarcĂa Ortiz must pay 10,000 euros in moral damages to Alberto GonzĂĄlez Amador and reimburse court costs.
This marks the first time in Spanish history that a sitting Attorney General has been convicted of a criminal offense and received actual punishment.
The government of Pedro SĂĄnchez stated it respects the court's decision but disagrees with it. A procedure to appoint a new Attorney General will be initiated shortly. The verdict may be appealed at the Constitutional Court of Spain.