PSOE Files Complaint Against Miguel Ángel Rodríguez for Leaking Journalists' Personal Data
The Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE) has formally lodged a complaint against Miguel Ángel Rodríguez, who serves as the chief of staff for Isabel Díaz Ayuso, alleging that he committed a crime by revealing confidential information. The complaint claims that Rodríguez unlawfully obtained personal details of two journalists from 'El País' from a police officer and subsequently leaked this information to various media outlets.
According to the PSOE's complaint, Rodríguez acquired the data from a national police officer assigned to Ayuso's security detail. On March 19, this officer had identified the two journalists who were reportedly present near Ayuso's residence while investigating allegations of tax fraud involving her partner, Alberto González Amador, which had been uncovered by elDiario.es.
In addition to seeking Rodríguez's indictment, the PSOE has requested that authorities examine his mobile phone to prevent any potential destruction of evidence related to this case.
The PSOE's complaint indicates that on the day in question, Rodríguez shared a message in a chat group with journalists covering regional news. This message included the personal information of the two reporters, along with photographs of them. The journalists were reported to be near the home of Isabel Díaz Ayuso, just a week after elDiario.es disclosed that González Amador was facing allegations of tax fraud exceeding 350,000 euros for the years 2020 and 2021.
The PSOE emphasized in their complaint that the police officer associated with Ayuso did not accuse the journalists of any wrongdoing and had a cordial interaction with them, as reported by 'El País'. Despite this, Rodríguez proceeded to disseminate personal information about the journalists and falsely accused them of harassing minors, claiming that they had been persistently stalking the neighbors of the president, including young children.
This personal information was later published by 'Estado de Alarma', a far-right media outlet led by Javier Negre, which identified the journalists by name and accused them of inappropriate behavior towards minors, citing "sources from the Community of Madrid." Rodríguez later acknowledged that he had shared this information but stated it was done in a personal capacity, claiming that he had only revealed the identities to 18 individuals.
The actions taken by Rodríguez are perceived as part of a broader campaign by Ayuso's inner circle to intimidate the media that uncovered the ongoing investigation into her partner. During this period, similar sources close to Ayuso also spread false claims that two journalists from elDiario.es had attempted to invade her home while disguised as boiler technicians. Rodríguez had previously threatened to "destroy" elDiario.es in communications with a reporter from that outlet.
In its complaint, the PSOE has urged that Rodríguez be investigated for the unauthorized disclosure of confidential information. They also request that the two journalists from 'El País' whose information was leaked be called to testify, as they are considered victims in this matter.
