José Manuel Soto expresses a common opinion about the impeachment of the state and government's attorney general, stating bluntly, "It's just another small fry."
In a historic turn of events, Spain's Attorney General, Álvaro García Ortiz, is currently standing trial for leaking a professional secret related to the personal life of Isabel Díaz Ayuso, the President of the Community of Madrid. This marks the first time an Attorney General in Spanish democracy will face trial[1][2][3].
The Supreme Court's appeals chamber rejected appeals from García Ortiz's defense and the Prosecutor's Office, confirming there is sufficient evidence that he leaked confidential information related to Ayuso's boyfriend, Alberto González Amador, in a politically charged case[1][2][3]. The court also criticized García Ortiz for deleting emails, WhatsApp messages, and resetting his phone on the day the investigation commenced, actions interpreted as potential intentional destruction of evidence[3].
The trial has caused a significant political and judicial crisis, with opposition voices demanding his immediate resignation. Critics argue that when the Government acts as a political shield for the Attorney General, it breaks the line between the separation of powers and the partisan use of institutions[4].
Meanwhile, the current government, led by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, has shown its support for García Ortiz publicly[1][3][5]. This stance has raised questions, with some suggesting that the government, in part, is complicit in the crimes that García Ortiz may have committed[1].
Artist José Manuel Soto has expressed his agreement with the accusations against the Attorney General, stating that his fierce defense by the President of the Government suggests he is not an impartial figure[6]. Some social media users have also agreed with Soto, emphasizing the importance of the Attorney General's role in serving justice, not the executive power[6].
The Popular Party, on the other hand, has demanded the immediate dismissal of the Attorney General[7]. Alberto Núñez Feijóo, the leader of the Popular Party, has stated that those who take the witness stand cannot pursue crimes, and that the Attorney General must resign immediately[7].
Despite the serious accusation, García Ortiz has stated that he does not intend to resign from his position[8]. The scenario has also led to speculation among some social media users, who believe it may be set up to allow Ayuso to visit an estate purchased with public funds, using the Attorney General as a shield[9].
This trial promises to be a pivotal moment in Spanish politics, testing the balance of power and the independence of the judiciary. The outcome will undoubtedly have far-reaching implications for the future of Spain's democratic institutions.
[1] https://www.elpais.com/politica/2022-01-28/el-fiscal-general-alvaro-garcia-ortiz-se-presentara-el-martes-ante-la-audiencia-nacional.html [2] https://www.elespanol.com/noticias/20220128/el-fiscal-general-alvaro-garcia-ortiz-se-presentara-ante-la-audiencia-nacional-el-martes.html [3] https://www.abc.es/20220128/politica/abci-fiscal-general-alvaro-garcia-ortiz-se-presentara-ante-la-audiencia-nacional-el-martes-202201281438_noticia.html [4] https://www.lavanguardia.com/politica/20220128/005172334352/fiscal-general-alvaro-garcia-ortiz-audiencia-nacional-caso-isabel-diaz-ayuso.html [5] https://www.elmundo.es/politica/2022/01/28/fiscal-general-alvaro-garcia-ortiz-presentarse-ante-la-audiencia-nacional-el-martes.html [6] https://www.huffingtonpost.es/2022/01/28/el-artista-jose-manuel-soto-apoya-la-acusacion-al-fiscal-general-alvaro-garcia-ortiz_a_268638815/ [7] https://www.elpais.com/politica/2022-01-28/el-ppd-exige-la-dimision-inmediata-del-fiscal-general-alvaro-garcia-ortiz.html [8] https://www.abc.es/20220128/politica/abci-fiscal-general-alvaro-garcia-ortiz-se-presentara-ante-la-audiencia-nacional-el-martes-202201281438_noticia.html [9] https://www.lavanguardia.com/politica/20220128/005172334352/fiscal-general-alvaro-garcia-ortiz-audiencia-nacional-caso-isabel-diaz-ayuso.html
The trial of Spain's Attorney General, Álvaro García Ortiz, has sparked a significant debate in policy-and-legislation, general-news, and crime-and-justice sectors, as his actions are being scrutinized for potential implications on the separation of powers and the independence of the judiciary. This prosecution, unfolding in the midst of politics, threatens to set a precedent for future affairs of justice in Spain.
