Spain's top prosecutor Álvaro García Ortiz has tendered his resignation following a guilty verdict for leaking confidential information in a high-profile case. The decision, which came just weeks before a two-year ban from office was due to take effect, was made with "profound respect" for the judicial ruling.
García Ortiz, who had been appointed by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez's left-wing coalition government two years ago, maintained his innocence throughout the proceedings. The verdict is a significant blow to Sánchez, who has defended García Ortiz repeatedly and faced mounting pressure from opposition parties over the case.
The supreme court found García Ortiz guilty of breaching confidentiality in the case involving a partner of a leading opposition figure. His departure is not unexpected, however, with many observers predicting his resignation would come soon after the verdict was handed down.
In a letter to Justice Minister Félix Bolaños, García Ortiz expressed his conviction that he had faithfully served the judicial institution and upheld public service values. His decision also leaves the door open for potential appeals before Spain's constitutional court and ultimately the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg.
A government spokesperson, Pilar Alegría, disputed the finding, stating that the lack of a full verdict and notification without prior unanimity had created "stupefaction" among the public. She emphasized that the ruling set an unwelcome precedent for transparency and accountability in the country's justice system.
García Ortiz, who had been appointed by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez's left-wing coalition government two years ago, maintained his innocence throughout the proceedings. The verdict is a significant blow to Sánchez, who has defended García Ortiz repeatedly and faced mounting pressure from opposition parties over the case.
The supreme court found García Ortiz guilty of breaching confidentiality in the case involving a partner of a leading opposition figure. His departure is not unexpected, however, with many observers predicting his resignation would come soon after the verdict was handed down.
In a letter to Justice Minister Félix Bolaños, García Ortiz expressed his conviction that he had faithfully served the judicial institution and upheld public service values. His decision also leaves the door open for potential appeals before Spain's constitutional court and ultimately the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg.
A government spokesperson, Pilar Alegría, disputed the finding, stating that the lack of a full verdict and notification without prior unanimity had created "stupefaction" among the public. She emphasized that the ruling set an unwelcome precedent for transparency and accountability in the country's justice system.
. Two years ago, who would've thought he'd be going through all this? 
This verdict might seem harsh, but I believe in the power of transparency and accountability in our justice system. It's like, we need to make sure everyone is held to the same standards, you know? 
, but still, 2 yrs ban from office? that's like a lifetime 
. and now he just resigns like "oh, profe we're good 
". what a cop-out 
. anyway, it's def not the first time sánchez has covered up for someone 
. guess this shows gov't is more worried about protecting their own than doing justice 
. btw, if they want to make an example out of garcía ortiz, shouldn't he at least get a chance to appeal 
García Ortiz is basically saying he's innocent, but the supreme court has already made a decision... not gonna lie, it does raise some questions about the fairness of the system 
just when you thought Spain was all about siestas and tapas, they're over here having a full-blown judicial drama 
. I mean, who needs politics when you've got a top prosecutor going from being the hero of the left-wing coalition to a defendant in court? 
while García Ortiz is off sipping tea with his lawyers over a potential appeal. 
Good luck with that, mate.
. And I have to wonder if this is going to set a precedent where politicians start questioning the integrity of independent institutions? 
It's all so frustrating when good people like García Ortiz get dragged down by the politics 
. Sánchez is gonna face a lot of heat for this one, his whole left-wing coalition is going to get roasted over this 
. the European Court of Human Rights better watch out, this is gonna be a long road 