Audiencia Nacional Sends Villarejo, Two Journalists to Trial in 'Caso Dina' Over Private Data Revelation

Madrid, Spain – The Spanish National Court (Audiencia Nacional) has ordered former commissioner José Manuel Villarejo and two journalists to stand trial in the high-profile "Caso Dina," focusing on the discovery and revelation of secrets related to the stolen mobile phone of Dina Bousselham, former advisor to Pablo Iglesias. The proceedings, which are set to begin in March 2026, center on the unauthorized publication of private data found on the device.

The case originates from the 2015 theft of Bousselham's mobile phone and the subsequent appearance of its contents, including intimate personal information and internal Podemos documents, in folders found at Villarejo's home in 2017. Prosecutors allege that Villarejo, in collaboration with the journalists, disseminated these private files to discredit political figures. The prosecution is seeking five years in prison for Villarejo and three years for the journalists involved.

Bea Talegón, a prominent analyst, commented on the public reaction to the legal developments, stating on social media: > "Ha sido tal el nivel de confusión creado, con espurios intereses, que cuando sale una sentencia absolutamente lógica, la gente se vuelve loca. El tema de los emails era absolutamente accesorio. El problema es publicar una nota de prensa con datos de un particular que NUNCA se deben hacer públicos. Es una garantía para todos, os acostéis con quien os acostéis. Los progres deberían tener esto bastante más claro." Her remarks underscore the core legal principle at stake: the inviolability of private data, irrespective of its content or the individuals involved.

The investigation has consistently highlighted that the central offense is the unauthorized disclosure of private information, rather than the specific content of the emails or messages. This perspective emphasizes the fundamental right to privacy for all citizens. The trial is expected to clarify the extent of responsibility for those who accessed, retained, and published Bousselham's personal data.

This trial represents a significant moment for data privacy in Spain, potentially setting precedents for how private information, especially in politically charged contexts, is handled by the media and public figures. The focus remains on the legal ramifications of publishing private data without consent, reinforcing individual guarantees against such disclosures.