Attorney General challenges Supreme Court over critical errors in testimony transcription

Tuesday 04 March 2025 - 12:50

By: Dakir Madiha

Attorney General challenges Supreme Court over critical errors in testimony transcription

The Attorney General of Spain, Álvaro García Ortiz, has formally complained to the Supreme Court (TS) about what he describes as "multiple deficiencies" in the transcription of a testimony given by Eugenio Ribón, the Dean of the Madrid Bar Association (ICAM). The testimony, recorded on February 21, reportedly contains errors that García Ortiz claims significantly alter its content and infringe upon his right to defense.

In a written statement addressed to magistrate Ángel Hurtado, who is investigating García Ortiz for an alleged breach of confidentiality, the State Legal Service—representing the Attorney General in this case—urged the court to correct these "substantial errors." According to the statement, the inaccuracies stem from the Supreme Court's use of an automatic transcription system, which they allege was neither reviewed nor edited afterward.

The Attorney General's legal team argues that these transcription errors prevent "a proper interpretation of the witness's testimony," potentially leaving García Ortiz at a legal disadvantage. They have asked the investigating magistrate to rectify the issues to ensure a fair trial.

Meanwhile, the Manos Limpias union, also a party to the case, accused García Ortiz of attempting to "obstruct" the investigation. According to the union, the complaints about transcription errors are merely a tactic to delay proceedings in a case that centers on the alleged disclosure of confidential information about businessman Alberto González Amador, the partner of Madrid's regional president, Isabel Díaz Ayuso.