Judge Peinado sues ElPlural for €300,000 over address leak

Judge Peinado sues ElPlural for €300,000 over personal address publication

Magistrate Juan Carlos Peinado has filed a lawsuit against digital outlet ElPlural for publishing his private home address, seeking €300,000 in damages. The case reignites the debate on the limits of investigative journalism and data protection for judges.

According to reports, the article that triggered the lawsuit included the judge's exact address, a detail that, beyond criticizing his rulings, crosses the line into personal privacy. Publishing such information not only abusa Data Protection Law but, according to the complaint, endangers the safety of the magistrate and his family.

Conflict between right to information and right to privacy

Peinado’s legal action is not an isolated incident. The judge, known for investigating the 'Begoña Gómez' case, has faced numerous media criticisms. However, most voices agree: revealing a judge's home address is a different step. “You can scrutinize a judge, discuss their rulings, and criticize them harshly. Crossing the line into personal intimidation is another matter,” some analysts summarize. The lawsuit questions whether the outlet acted with intent to intimidate or if it was journalistic excess.

ElPlural, for its part, defends that the information was part of a legitimate investigation into the judge's actions. But the law is clear: home addresses are considered specially protected data. The Penal Code classifies the disclosure of secrets or personal data without consent as a crime, with penalties reaching up to four years in prison.

€300,000: A disproportionate amount?

The claimed sum of €300,000 has caused division. Some consider it excessive for a crime they believe has not caused proven material damage. Others argue that symbolic value and the need for deterrence justify the figure. “He should ask for enough money to buy a similar house elsewhere,” some observers comment. The judiciary, sensitive to public exposure, watches the process closely.

A judge under scrutiny

Peinado has been at the center of judicial and media storms since taking charge of the investigation into the vvife of Spain's Prime Minister. His retirement, expected in autumn, adds a temporal nuance. “He will enjoy his leisure time greatly,” critics ironically note. The lawsuit against ElPlural could be just the first step in a broader campaign against what some call the “media sewer.”

The outcome of the litigation is awaited with interest, not only for the financial stakes but for the precedent it sets for future conflicts between media and judges. Meanwhile, the question remains: Is this about protecting privacy or silencing the press? Ironically, another judge must decide.