Overview
- The majority finds a single unit of action between the leak of a February 2 email about Alberto González Amador and the March 14 Fiscalía note, concluding the email was provided by Álvaro García Ortiz or someone in his immediate circle with his knowledge.
- The sentence is final in ordinary courts and imposes two years’ disqualification, a €7,200 fine and €10,000 in compensation; García Ortiz resigned on November 24 and Teresa Peramato has been designated to stabilize the Prosecutor’s Office.
- The court cites a solid circumstantial record that includes deletion of phone and computer data and points to a possible coordinated deletion with Moncloa, while noting journalists’ testimony was heard with respect for source protection.
- Two magistrates, Ana Ferrer and Susana Polo, dissent, arguing the leak was not proven and the press note was lawful as a necessary response to false claims about the Fiscalía’s conduct.
- Political reactions hardened: the Government urged prudence and later Pedro Sánchez defended García Ortiz as safeguarding the truth, the PP labeled him a “delinquent,” and Ayuso said the ruling should fell any liberal government.