The Ministry of Justice initiates the process to pardon former Attorney General Álvaro García Ortiz
The Justice administration has taken the first formal step to forgive the sentence of the former Attorney General of the State, Álvaro García Ortiz. The Supreme Court sentenced him to two years without being able to hold public office for the crime of revealing secrets. Now, the Government is requesting the high court to issue its opinion on this request for clemency. ⚖️
The report from the sentencing court is key
The regulations require the Executive to request an opinion from the body that imposed the final sentence, in this case the Criminal Chamber of the Supreme Court. Although this report does not bind the Government, its content usually influences the final resolution decisively. This is one of the initial and most substantial steps in the entire procedure.
Fundamental steps in the process:- The Ministry of Justice officially submits the pardon request.
- The non-binding report from the Supreme Court is requested and awaited.
- The Government evaluates all the mandatory reports before deciding.
The pardon is a constitutional instrument of clemency, but its application generates intense political and legal debate.
Background of the sentence and political context
Álvaro García Ortiz received his sentence in February, as it was proven that he leaked confidential data from the National Court to various media outlets. The pardon request comes at a time of strong controversy, where the opposition attacks the use of this figure. Supporters of the Government defend its constitutional nature, while critics argue that it serves to avoid the consequences of judicial sentences.
Elements of the current context:- Sentence of two years' disqualification for revealing secrets.
- The request is processed in a climate of confrontation between institutions.
- There is a dispute over the scope and legitimacy of the right of clemency.
A procedure that is advancing
The administrative process is already underway and may take some time. While the Supreme Court analyzes what stance to take in its report, speculations arise about whether the pardon will put an end to this case or if, on the contrary, it will be just another episode in a larger institutional conflict. The outcome will set a relevant precedent. 🏛️