During the trial of the 23-F coup plotters, which took place from February to June 1982, the Spanish intelligence service showed significant interest in the proceedings, indicative of the trial's potential implications on national stability and public trust in leadership. Recently declassified documents reveal that the National Intelligence Center (CNI), which succeeded the previous intelligence agency, kept close tabs on the trial, including the activities and remarks of journalists, lawyers, and the public. This was likely to gauge the political fallout from the trial and to assess any emerging narratives regarding institutional figures, particularly the Spanish King.

The trial garnered immense public interest, reflecting the lingering anxieties over the coup attempt and its aftermath, which could have had serious ramifications for the democratic process in Spain. The notes indicate that there was a concerted effort from the intelligence sector to understand the discourse surrounding the trial, especially with regards to how the King's role was perceived. The documentation includes over fifty notes, showcasing a level of surveillance that raises questions about the transparency and integrity of the judicial process at the time.

The implication of intelligence operatives ingrained in the judicial proceedings points to a narrative where the public's perception could be manipulated or influenced. By introducing doubts about the King's actions, the documents may rekindle discussions around accountability for past political actions and the role of the monarchy in Spain's transition to democracy. This situation reminds us of the fine balance between national security interests and the principles of a transparent judiciary in a democratic society.