Concerns Mount Over Data Leak Impacting Spanish Attorney General
The recent leak of sensitive data related to Spain's Attorney General, Álvaro García Ortiz, is raising alarms about personal safety and privacy within the judicial system. The scandal erupted after confidential reports and documents from the Civil Guard related to the Supreme Court's investigation against García Ortiz went public, disclosing his personal address and communication records.
According to various reports, García Ortiz expressed his deep concern about the breach, stating, "This puts my personal and family safety at risk, as well as the safety of several interested parties,” following his written appeal to the General Council of the Judiciary for immediate intervention. The impactful details shared include his home address located in Galicia as well as extensive records of calls made during the investigation period.
The Supreme Court judge, Ángel Hurtado, who has been leading the investigation against García Ortiz, has come under scrutiny for allegedly mishandling sensitive data, which he provided to parties involved. Documents released included comprehensive logs of phone calls made between March 7 and March 14, 2024, including connections to family members and third parties. The released documents also noted the inability to recover messages from his mobile app, WhatsApp, which had reportedly been deleted multiple times.
García Ortiz's complaint outlined serious violations of the legal safeguards required to protect personal information, including the identification of not only his own data but also those of various individuals associated with the case, such as lawyers and law enforcement members. He argued, "The inclusion of personal residential data is manifestly unjustifiable and could constitute a severe infraction." He indicated this breach has prompted requests for protective measures for affected individuals, including enhanced security protocols at their residences.
Echoing similar sentiments, Dolores Delgado, former minister and ex-attorney general, has also raised alarms about her personal information being exposed through the leaked documents. Delgado reported receiving numerous anonymous phone calls, compelling her to seek immediate changes to her communication device. "I have been forced to request the change of terminal to safeguard my personal and professional security,” she indicated in her communication with the Supreme Court’s Criminal Chamber.
The reverberations of this leak have reached the General Council of the Judiciary, where data leaks have caused disquiet among its members. One council member found their personal phone number listed among the leaked information, prompting concerns about potential breaches of privacy. The disciplinary commission of this body recently convened to assess the impact of such widespread data exposure but concluded without definitive actions.
Not only have previous attorneys general been caught up this debacle, but the revelations underscored the severe ramifications of aligning judicial protocols with personal safety. Allegations are surfacing surrounding the illegal distribution of communications during the investigation linked to the email from the lawyer of Isabel Díaz Ayuso's partner, which suggested alleged tax fraud crimes.
The fallout from these leaks is being carefully monitored as García Ortiz has initiated legal appeals against the handling of the data and has called for annulment of the resulting documentation. His correspondence with the governing body expressed the urgency of the situation, emphasizing how violations of privacy standards could threaten both his and others' safety who are connected to this case.
While the legal ramifications are under review, both García Ortiz and Delgado advocate for stringent measures to protect personal information within judicial proceedings. The need for accountability and oversight has become increasingly evident, as both figures’ safety is compromised by the release of such information.
This situation spotlights the fragile balance between judicial transparency and the right to personal privacy, raising questions about the protocols currently governing data handling among legal institutions. The widespread nature of this leak has put not only high-ranking officials but also ordinary citizens with peripheral connections to these figures at risk, highlighting the pressing need for reform.