Leire Díez, a former member of the Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE), addressed a gathering of around one hundred journalists regarding her involvement in leaked audio recordings related to ongoing investigations into hydrocarbon dealings.

Her statement took place in a hotel in central Madrid, drawing significant media attention.

Arriving early and poised, Díez began her comments by declaring firmly, "I am a journalist, not a facilitator".

She emphasized that her work, revealed through the recent audio leaks, was part of an independent journalistic investigation, which she claimed had been in progress for several years.

"This is my work; I have not conducted it on behalf of anyone or representing anyone," she stated, attempting to distance herself from the PSOE amid growing scrutiny over her activities.

In her remarks, Díez maintained that it is possible to be a socialist while engaging in investigative journalism.

"You can be socialist and carry out investigatory work," she asserted, clarifying her motivations in the context of the leaked recordings, which suggest she was involved in efforts to influence public officials.

However, the press conference took a chaotic turn when Victor de Aldama, a figure embroiled in related investigational proceedings, unexpectedly interrupted.

As Díez was affirming her position against intimidation, Aldama approached her, inciting a sudden uproar in the crowded space.

"What did you have to threaten me with?" he shouted, a refrain that echoed amidst the confusion.

The disruption triggered a frenzy as onlookers and journalists scrambled to capture the moment.

Amid the commotion, Aldama accused Díez of being a "swindler" and a "liar," intensifying the already charged atmosphere.

He expressed his outrage at her claims of a journalistic endeavor, questioning the legitimacy of her assertions.

As tensions escalated, Javier Pérez Dolset—also implicated in the hydrocarbon case—intervened in an attempt to shield Díez from Aldama, leading to further shouting matches between the two men.

Aldama's raised voice could be heard demanding, "Don’t push me! Don’t touch me!" as he attempted to confront Díez directly.

After the disruption, Aldama made comments indicating he would pursue legal actions against Díez, adding to his accusations that her claims were part of a broader political maneuvering strategy against the government, involving the Partido Popular's candidate Alberto Núñez Feijóo.

In response to the incident, sources close to Díez revealed her intentions to file a complaint against Aldama, citing harassment, threats, and attempted aggression.

Shortly after the altercation, national police were reported to have arrived at the hotel to address the unfolding situation.

Díez's representatives indicated that, had the disruption not occurred, she aimed to provide journalists with further details of her investigative work in a more stable environment following the press conference.

Despite the chaotic circumstances, they underscored her commitment to detailing her findings in future communications.